Florian Wirtz’s goal helps maintain the team’s pursuit of the title.

Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen celebrated scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty kick with teammate Nathan Tella during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at An der Alten Foersterei on April 06, 2024 in Berlin.

Bayer Leverkusen have extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 16 points after a comfortable 1-0 victory over Union Berlin. Despite not being at their best, Leverkusen controlled the game and could have taken the lead earlier if Alex Grimaldo had not missed a good chance created by Nathan Tella.

Union Berlin put up a fight in the first half, but the game was effectively over just before half-time. Robin Gosens made an unnecessary challenge on Tella near the corner flag and received a second yellow card. Then, a penalty was awarded when Christopher Trimmel deflected Piero Hincapie’s shot with his arm.

Florian Wirtz confidently converted the penalty, giving Leverkusen a lead that their 10-man opposition never really threatened. With Bayern Munich losing to Heidenheim, Leverkusen could potentially secure the title next week if they win and Bayern lose.

In some ways, Union Berlin were the ideal opponents for a title challenger at this stage of the season. They are comfortably clear of relegation and far from European qualification. However, a talented side playing without pressure and in front of a passionate home crowd could have posed a threat.

The hosts were competitive in the first half, but a moment of madness from Gosens and a stroke of misfortune left Leverkusen with their easiest 45 minutes of the season. While they may face nervous moments in the DFB-Pokal Cup Final and Europa Cup matches, winning the Bundesliga title now seems like a formality.

Next week, Leverkusen will host Werder Bremen, while Bayern Munich will face Koln at home. If both teams have the same results, Xabi Alonso’s side will lift the trophy before the middle of April.

The Player of the Match was Alex Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen. He was involved in their better attacks in the first half and was also crucial in snuffing out Union Berlin’s threats in the second half. Grimaldo made a crucial clearance when it seemed like Alex Kral would have a chance in the box, and he also stopped Benedict Hollerbach from causing trouble on the right flank.

Player Ratings:

Union Berlin:
Ronnow 7, Doekhi 6, Vogt 6, Diogo Leite 6, Khedira 6, Tousart 6, Trimmel 6, Gosens 4, Schafer 6, Aaronson 6, Vertessen 6.
Subs: Kaufmann 6, Kral 6, Juranovic 6, Laidouni 6, Hollerbach 6.

Bayer Leverkusen:
Hradecky 6, Kossounou 7, Tah 6, Hincapie 6, Alex Grimaldo 8, Andrich 7, Xhaka 6, Tella 7, Wirtz 7, Hlozek 6, Borja Iglesias 6.
Subs: Adli 6, Boniface 6, Frimpong 6.

Match Highlights:

16′ – Ronnow makes a reaction stop to deny Iglesias’ header.
28′ – Grimaldo misses a great chance from Tella’s pull-back.
45+3′ – Gosens receives a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Tella.
45+4′ – Leverkusen have a goal disallowed after hitting the post and Adli being in an offside position.
45+7′ – A penalty is awarded to Leverkusen after Trimmel’s arm deflects Hincapie’s shot.
45+8′ – Wirtz converts the penalty to give Leverkusen the lead.
77′ – Ronnow makes a good save to deny Tella’s effort.
90+5′ – Ronnow denies Adli with a save with his legs after he should have squared to Boniface.