Bayer Leverkusen, currently leading the Bundesliga, showcased their resilience with a late surge led by Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick, securing a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory against Hoffenheim on Saturday. This triumph brings them closer to clinching the league title.
Remaining undefeated in 39 matches across all competitions this season, Leverkusen now commands 73 points, placing them 13 points ahead of Bayern Munich, who suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Borussia Dortmund, maintaining their position at 60 points.
Despite controlling the tempo of the game, Leverkusen experienced a lackluster start, with their offensive maneuvers being thwarted and their finishing lacking precision. Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier capitalized on this, silencing the home crowd with a goal in the 33rd minute.
Reflecting on the match, coach Xabi Alonso noted the team’s initial struggles to assert control and penetrate the opponent’s defense. However, he emphasized the team’s persistence, stating, “But we kept at it and in the second half we scored. It does not matter when. We needed a goal to change the mindset.”
Following a relentless onslaught in the second half, Leverkusen’s efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Hoffenheim’s goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. However, a strategic substitution, bringing on forward Borja Iglesias, injected further momentum into Leverkusen’s attack.
The pivotal moment arrived in the 88th minute when Germany international Andrich netted the equalizer from a Florian Wirtz delivery. Schick then sealed the comeback with a well-executed volley in stoppage time, underscoring Leverkusen’s unwavering determination throughout the season.
This victory adds to Leverkusen’s recent displays of resilience, notably their comeback from a two-goal deficit in both legs of the Europa League round-of-16 against Qarabag earlier this month, securing a 5-4 aggregate win.
Coach Alonso commended his team’s mindset and winning mentality, emphasizing the importance of faith and resilience in their success this season.
With their attention now turning to the German Cup semifinal against Fortuna Dusseldorf, Leverkusen aims to continue their impressive form. Their current point tally of 73 equals the club record set during the 1999-2000 campaign.
Furthermore, this result places Leverkusen second in the list of longest unbeaten runs in the history of Europe’s top-five leagues, surpassing Inter Milan’s 2004-05 record of 38 games and trailing only Juventus’ 2011-12 season record of 42 unbeaten matches.