Bayer Leverkusen has started the year with a big boost to its hopes of defending the Bundesliga title after beating a depleted Borussia Dortmund 3-2.

Borussia Dortmund defenders Waldemar Anton and Almugera Kabar are doubtful for Friday's Bundesliga game against Bayer Leverkusen due to illness, coach Nuri Sahin said.

Patrik Schick scored a first-half brace as Bayer Leverkusen won 3-2 at a flu-hit Borussia Dortmund on Friday, closing the gap to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich to one point. A late Serhou Guirassy penalty gave Dortmund hope but Leverkusen held on for their ninth straight win in all competitions,

Patrik Schick scored a brace in a furious start as champions Bayer Leverkusen returned out of the Bundesliga winter break with a 3-2 victory at heavily depleted Borussia Dortmund on Friday to mount the pressure on leaders Bayern Munich.

Bayer Leverkusen's 3-2 victory at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga restart on Friday showed the development and discipline of the German champions, coach Xabi Alonso said. Leverkusen scored three times in the opening 19 minutes and controlled the game throughout against their opponents who were missing half a dozen players due to illness.