Union Berlin does not get beyond a zero number in the pursuit duel against Bayer Leverkusen. The irons are still in third place.
In the end, both teams were celebrated by their fans – after a 0-0 draw. Union Berlin was very happy that it was enough to get a home point against Bayer Leverkusen – perhaps the team with the best form in the Bundesliga at the moment. “In the end, the team defended well against strong Leverkusen players,” commented Union managing director Oliver Ruhnert sky“everyone went absolutely to their limits. It was a huge achievement.”
With 56 points, the Köpenicker remain in third place four games before the end of the season, although they still have to tremble for the first-time participation in the premier class. At the same time, the Berliners were able to record as a success not having lost the 21st league home game in a row across the season.
Europa League semi-finalist Bayer could have moved up to five points from Union with a win in Berlin and is now in sixth place. For coach Xabi Alonso’s team, the Champions League is now unbeaten in 14 competitive games in a row, but at least theoretically possible with 48 points. “I’m a bit disappointed, I would have liked to have won here today,” said Bayer international Florian Wirtz. “We didn’t get many chances. But it’s a deserved result.”
While Bayer didn’t know what to do with possession of the ball for a long time, it was the hosts who countered at lightning speed. The energetic Sheraldo Becker tested Bayer goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky with a long-range shot (5′) before being blocked three minutes later by Odilon Kossounou (8′). Leverkusen’s central defender cleared again shortly afterwards – this time against Jordan Siebatcheu (11′).
Moussa Diaby creates danger
The attacker could have taken the lead, but the American also missed a diving header (12′). When Leverkusen became dangerous, it was mostly through Moussa Diaby, who either aimed over it from a tight angle (17′) or didn’t hit the ball properly (32′).
Even immediately after the break, Union was the more compelling team. Aissa Laidouni (48th) initially chased a blocked ball just over the Bayer goal before things got really dicey for the guests. Union full-back Jerome Roussillon dribbled hard down the left when Leverkusen’s Mitchel Bakker was only able to clear in the final before Laidouni, who was ready to score (60′).
Union Berlin – Bayer Leverkusen: The voices
Urs Fischer (Coach Union Berlin): “One was an intense, great 0-0 game. We played 90 minutes against the team with the best form in the league. We had a chance or two, but that also applies to Leverkusen. My team did well over the 90 minutes. We were able to neutralize Leverkusen’s transition, so the team deserves a lot of praise.”
Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen manager): “We were ready to play a tough game. Union haven’t lost here this season. And we felt why. We had a couple of chances in the first half, Union too. We defended well. In the end I think that the draw is fair.”
