Leverkusen ‘s Title Hopes Fade With A Draw

Bayer Leverkusen ‘s aspirations of retaining the Bundesliga title suffered another significant setback on Saturday, April 12th, as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home by a disciplined Union Berlin side. The return of star midfielder Florian Wirtz from injury was not enough to inspire the hosts, who dropped crucial points.

The result leaves Leverkusen second in the table on 63 points after 29 games. Leaders Bayern Munich (68 points from 28 games), who host Borussia Dortmund later on Saturday, now have the opportunity to extend their lead to eight points with only five matches remaining for Leverkusen.

Despite dominating possession, Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen struggled to break down Union Berlin’s well-organized defence. Union had an early goal disallowed when Leopold Querfeld’s effort following a save from Lukas Hradecky was ruled out for offside. Leverkusen’s best chance of the first half saw Patrik Schick curl a shot narrowly wide.

Wirtz, sidelined since early March with an ankle injury, was introduced in the 57th minute to a warm reception, replacing Aleix García, as Leverkusen sought a breakthrough. While his presence added impetus, clear-cut chances remained scarce.

Union Berlin had a golden opportunity to snatch the lead in the 73rd minute when substitute Benedict Hollerbach found himself through on goal, but his attempted lob was poorly executed and easily gathered by Hradecky.

Leverkusen applied late pressure, with Jonathan Tah having a chance in stoppage time, but they could not find the late winner that has often characterized their performances, continuing a difficult April following their shock German Cup semi-final exit to third-tier Arminia Bielefeld earlier in the month.

The draw extends Union Berlin’s unbeaten run to five games, lifting them to 34 points and further easing any lingering relegation concerns. For Leverkusen, however, the dropped points severely diminish their already fading hopes of catching Bayern Munich in the title race.