**Bayer Leverkusen Edges Past Borussia Dortmund 2-1 with Wirtz's Late Winner as Leverkusen Extend Their Bundesliga Lead**

In a thrilling encounter, Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious over Borussia Dortmund with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks to a late winner from debutant Luca Wirtz. The match, a crucial encounter in the Bundesliga title race, saw Leverkusen extend their lead at the top of the table, leaving Dortmund trailing in their wake.

The game was a hard-fought contest from the outset, with both teams creating chances. Leverkusen struggled to break down a resilient Dortmund defense in the first half, despite efforts from Kevin Volland and Patrik Schick. The visitors had their moments, with a free-kick by Jadon Sancho testing Leverkusen's goalkeeper, and a powerful strike from Jonas Hector hitting the crossbar. Leverkusen, however, remained composed and pressed for a goal.

The turning point came in the 59th minute when Wirtz, making his debut, capitalized on a counter-attack. A well-timed run by Wirtz saw him receive a precise through ball from Daley Sinkgraven and slot the ball past Dortmund's goalkeeper, Marvin Schwäbe. The goal sent the Leverkusen faithful into raptures, but Dortmund responded with renewed urgency. Sancho came close to equalizing with a powerful strike that rattled the crossbar, and Leverkusen's defense had to withstand intense pressure.

Despite the late rally, Leverkusen held firm, thanks to a solid defensive display led by goalkeeper Alex Smolov and the tireless efforts of defender Jonathan Tah. The victory, coupled with their current position at the top of the table, underscores Leverkusen's growing confidence under interim coach Heiko Herrmann.

For Dortmund, the defeat, coupled with their recent form slump, raises questions about their title credentials. However, the match also highlighted the growing potential of Leverkusen's young squad, with Wirtz's performances so far injecting fresh life into the team.

In the end, Leverkusen's organizational skills and composure under pressure proved decisive, as they extended their lead at the summit of the Bundesliga. The late winner from Wirtz will be remembered as a pivotal moment in what is shaping up to be an exciting title race.