BERLIN (AP) — Late goals from Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick helped Bayer Leverkusen avoid its first defeat of the season with a 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Leverkusen were nearing the end of their unbeaten run of 38 games, a German record, in their first match since manager Xabi Alonso announced he would stay at the club, but Andrich scored the equalizer in the 88th minute and Sick scored in the first minute of stoppage time. scored the winning goal.
Hoffenheim surprised the home side in the 33rd minute when Maximilian Beyer scored with his first chance after a one-two with Wout Weckhorst, but Leverkusen's relentless pressure finally paid off.
Leverkusen are on track to win their first Bundesliga title, extending their unbeaten run to 39 games. Leverkusen have not lost since the final day of last season against Bochum (3-0).
Leverkusen extended their lead over Bayern Munich to 13 points and then faced 11-time champions Borussia Dortmund in the Der Klassik.
Leverkusen's victory also guaranteed them a spot in next season's Champions League. Alonso's team can no longer finish below fourth place. There are seven rounds remaining after this weekend. Leverkusen need four more wins to secure the title.
Freiburg also defeated Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 away in their first match since coach Christian Streich announced his departure at the end of the season.
Wolfsburg achieved a 2-0 victory over 10-man Werder Bremen in Ralph Hasenhüttl's debut as manager. Goal scorer Maxence Lacroix was sent off in the final minute of the game, leaving both teams with one man down.
Eintracht Frankfurt drew 0-0 with Union Berlin, while Mainz drew 0-0 with Leipzig.
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.