Bayer Leverkusen are just one win away from being crowned the 2023/2024 German Bundesliga Champions after their recent victory against Union Berlin.
What happened?
Bayer Leverkusen secured all three points to move within touching distance of a first Bundesliga title by beating 10-man Union Berlin on Saturday, April 6.
Florian Wirtz’s penalty gave Xabi Alonso’s men a ninth straight victory to stretch their lead over Bayern Munich to 16 points with six games remaining.
Bayern Munich gave their title rivals a helping hand after bottling a 2-0 lead to fall 3-2 loss at the hand of mid-table Heidenheim.
Bayer Leverkusen can end their long wait to be crowned German champions for the first time in the club’s history by winning at home to Werder Bremen on Sunday, April 14.
Xabi Alonso’s side will no doubt be willing to finish the job at the first time of asking in front of their home supporters.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Union Berlin in Brief
The German outfit were frustrated in Sunday’s game by several saves from Union Berlin goalkeeper Frederik Ronnow before the breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time after Robin Gosens saw a second yellow card for wrestling down Nathan Tella leading to a penalty for the hosts.
Florian Wirtz calmly converted from the spot, handing Leverkusen a crucial lead just before halftime and setting the stage for a tense second half.
Despite their dominance, clear-cut opportunities were hard to come by as Union’s defense stood firm, frustrating the hosts’ attempts to extend their lead.
Ronnow continued to stand tall between the sticks, denying a low effort from the impressive Tella and keeping Union’s hopes alive despite the relentless pressure from Leverkusen.
Returning striker Victor Boniface was introduced, but he could not do much to break down the resolute Berlin wall.
Leverkusen maintained their grip on the game, however, securing yet another victory and edging closer to a historic first-ever title.
Should Bayer secure the title next weekend, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella will join Sunday Oliseh as the only Nigerians to win the Bundesliga title. The former Super Eagles player won the League title with Borussia Dortmund during the 2021/2022 campaign.
What’s next for Bayer Leverkusen?
Bayer Leverkusen remains on course for a remarkable treble, having reached the German Cup final in midweek by thrashing Fortuna Dusseldorf 4-0 and they now prepare for the visit of West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday, April 11.
