B-V-Briefing: A tough weekend loss but a crucial UEFA Champions League clash awaits
By Joseph Meyer
Elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Bayern Munich fell to a surprise loss against FC Heidenheim. The record champions held a 2-0 lead at half-time but capitulated to their smaller rivals, who answered back with three goals of their own to edge out the visitors, 3-2.
This unlikely result has handed Bayer Leverkusen a boost as they seek their first ever Bundesliga title. Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen has all but wrapped up their title with yet another win, this time felling Union Berlin. Leverkusen are now 16 points clear at the top with six matches remaining. While it is still mathematically possible for Leverkusen to bottle the league, the likelihood is incredibly narrow. They would have to lose each of their remaining games, AND Bayern would have to win each of their remaining matches. That is simply too specific a scenario, and this Leverkusen side has still not lost in any competition this season.
Borussia Dortmund fans will hope Leverkusen wrap up the title this weekend since the two sides meet the following week. As the race for Champions League qualification intensifies, I’m more optimistic in BVB beating Leverkusen if they field their B-team or no longer have a title to play for. Should Leverkusen advance over West Ham in Europa League, Alonso will likely rest some key players against Edin Terzic's side.