Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella opened Bayer Leverkusen’s 2025 account in style, scoring his first goal of the year in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
The goal, which came just 25 seconds into the match, was not only Tella’s first of the season, but also one of the fastest scored in the league this campaign.
Making a rare start for Leverkusen, Tella capitalized on a precise assist from Robert Andrich, firing his side into an early lead.
Patrik Schick doubled the advantage shortly after, as the visitors began the new year with an attacking flourish.
Borussia Dortmund responded through English youngster Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who halved the deficit in the 8th minute, reigniting hopes of a comeback.
However, those hopes were short-lived, as Schick struck again just four minutes later to restore Leverkusen’s two-goal cushion.
A penalty from Serhou Guirassy in the 79th minute reduced the deficit once more, bringing Dortmund within a goal at 3-2, but despite their relentless push for an equalizer, Leverkusen held firm to secure the win.
Leverkusen’s Nigerian forward Victor Boniface was absent from the match due to injury.
Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella’s performance in numbers
Nathan Tella featured prominently for 71 minutes before being replaced by Martin Terrier.
He made his mark with a goal and was constantly running and creating problems for the Dortmund defence during his time in the game.
The 24-year-old recorded 32 touches and managed one shot on target, which resulted in his goal.
He completed two of his four dribbling attempts and registered an 80% passing accuracy, successfully completing 12 of 15 passes.
In duels, Tella impressed with a 60% success rate, winning six of ten ground challenges. In aerial battles, he won one out of two attempts.
