Leverkusen stays clear with late Hoffenheim drama
Late goals from Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick helped Bundesliga leader Bayer Leverkusen hit back from behind to beat Hoffenheim 2-1 and keep its unbeaten season intact.
Xabi Alonso’s men looked set to slip to their first defeat of the campaign after brilliant skill from Maximilian Beier gave the visitors the lead in the 33rd minute.
The hosts, boosted by the news this week that Alonso has decided to stay at the club, hunted for an equaliser with Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann making a string of superb saves.
Borja Iglesias hit a post for Leverkusen after 87 minutes but it finally made its breakthrough moments later when Andrich lashed home a bobbling effort from the centre of the box.
The goal was good enough to extend its record unbeaten run to 39 games but Alonso’s side wanted more and snatched the three points in the first minute of stoppage-time.
The ball was played to the right flank where Nathan Tella delivered a cross behind the Hoffenheim defence and Schick reacted fastest to volley home from close range.
