Bayer Leverkusen vs Union Berlin

BayArena forms the backdrop for Bayer Leverkusen’s must-win Bundesliga clash against bottom-half Union Berlin.

With only six matches remaining in the Bundesliga season, Xabi Alonso’s reigning champions may need to be close to flawless to maintain their dream of overtaking Bayern Munich at the table’s summit. Last weekend’s nerve-wracking stoppage-time winner against Heidenheim kept the gap at six points. A win here would temporarily cut it in half, adding pressure on the current leaders. Heavily fancied to do just that, Bayer Leverkusen head into proceedings having dropped only two points at home this season against sides starting this round 12th or lower (W5, D1). Worryingly, though, ‘Die Werkself’ failed to keep a clean sheet on each occasion. However, Alonso’s managerial record against Union Berlin can ease tensions as he’s unbeaten in five managerial meetings with them (W4, D1).

In the meantime, taking a massive stride toward top-flight survival with a gritty 1-0 victory over Wolfsburg, Union Berlin extended their unbeaten Bundesliga streak to four matches (W3, D1) and now sit 11 points above the drop zone. However, head coach Steffen Baumgart faces a stern test here, as his record against Leverkusen is far from flattering (W2, D1, L5). Prior to his arrival, Die Eisernen were on a seven-game losing skid on the road, but they’ve now won three of their last four away outings (L1). Adding to Union Berlin’s confidence, they’ve avoided defeat on the road against three of the Bundesliga’s current top five, with only Mainz registering more wins as betting outsiders this season (W5, D4, L8).