Schick has scored nine goals in his last five Bundesliga matches
Patrik Schick scored four goals to help Bayer Leverkusen thrash Freiburg 5-1 and narrow the gap with leaders Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga.
The Czech striker scored three second-half goals in the space of 10 minutes to become Leverkusen's leading goalscorer in the league this season with nine goals.
Florian Wirtz, who had a penalty saved by Noah Atubolu earlier in the game, set up the opener with a smart pass for Schick to chip home just before the interval.
Wirtz then doubled the hosts' lead in the 51st minute when he cut inside and slotted in at the near post.
However, a sloppy mistake in possession from Leverkusen helped Freiburg halve the deficit, with Vincenzo Grifo curling in a composed finish.
The visitors hit the crossbar shortly afterwards but a stellar performance from Schick ensured the reigning champions ended 2024 on a high, with two headed goals and a fierce half-volley strike.
An eighth straight win in all competitions moves Xabi Alonso's side four points behind Bayern, who beat RB Leipzig 5-1 on Friday.
Freiburg, meanwhile, drop to eighth, although they are only three points behind third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
