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Bayer Leverkusen extends their unbeaten streak following a late 2-1 comeback victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga 2023-24

Bayer Leverkusen strengthened their title hopes after registering a 2-1 late comeback victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga 2023-24 and Xavi's side is now unbeaten in 39 games in all competitions.

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Abishek Goswami
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Patrik Schick scores a late winner for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga against Hoffenheim

Patrik Schick scores a late winner for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga against Hoffenheim

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Bayer Leverkusen extends their unbeaten run (39) in all competitions this season after registering a 2-1 comeback victory against TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga 2023-24. Andrich and Patrik Schick scored the late goals to strengthen their title hopes and now they are 13 points clear at the top of the table. A day after coach Xabi Alonso announced he would be staying on despite interest from major European clubs, Leverkusen got off to a lackluster start despite controlling the game. But, they showed their strong mentality and claimed the important three points in dramatic fashion. On the other side, Borussia Dortmund won the Der Klassiker at the Allianz Football Arena by 2-0. Now if Leverkusen manages to win the next three games, they will secure the title after the end of Gameweek 30.

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Bayer Leverkusen extends their run in all competitions

Leverkusen lacked precision in the first half despite controlling the pace of the game. Hoffenheim's Maximilian Beier silenced the home crowd in the 33rd minute, providing his side with a huge lead. The home side continued to dominate the possession and pushed for the opener but it never came in the first half. Hoffenheim Keeper Oliver Baumann was at the top of his game, denying Xabi's side again and again. 

Oliver pulled off a spectacular double save in the 76th minute. It looked like the streak is finally coming to an end but the fans kept on supporting their side, hoping them to turn the table once again this season and Xabi's side delivered. Alonso brought on forward Borja Iglesias, who rattled the crossbar four minutes after entering. Leverkusen were just unlucky in terms of scoring the goals early after creating ample amounts of opportunities for themselves.

But, the pressure paid off in the 88th minute when Germany international Andrich scored the equaliser from wonderkid Florian Wirtz's perfect cross. Hoffenheim tried to hold on but Patrik Schick completed the comeback with a far-post volley in stoppage time, dramatically securing the three points. Alonso's team had come from two goals in both Europa League round-of-16 legs against Qarabag this month to advance 5-4 on aggregate and it was Schick who scored the last-minute goals.

Patrik Schick scores a late winner for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga against Hoffenheim
Patrik Schick scored the late winner for Bayer Leverkusen | Image: X

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"I would be happy if the goals were scored earlier. But we know we can score late. To be honest, I wasn't sure, I had the feeling it could have been offside," Patrik Schick said after winning the game.

"Today was tough. It was an intense game. In the first half, we had problems controlling the game in phases. They were deep and we tried to break through. We spoke at half time that it was important to change the mindset. I’m proud of the team," Xabi Alonso said in the post-match press conference.

It is now safe to say that Bayern Munich's title hopes are over. Leverkusen have been the dominant force this season and they deserve to lift their maiden Bundesliga title. Their last major title came more than 30 years ago when they won the DFB-Pokal (1993). With 73 points, they have now equalled their club record from the 1999-2000 campaign. Leverkusen still have 7 matches left to play in the league but can secure the title early if they manage to win the next three games.

Alonso's side now have the second-longest unbeaten run in the history of Europe's top-five leagues, overtaking the 2004-05 Inter Milan team (38), and behind only Juventus, who went 42 games without losing in the 2011-12 season. Leverkusen can top that as there are still many matches left for them to play.

Bayern Munich Football Bundesliga Xabi Alonso Bayer Leverkusen Hoffenheim Florian Wirtz