- Bayer Leverkusen aims to become the first Bundesliga team to complete an undefeated season, led by coach Xabi Alonso
- Union Berlin faces a crucial match against Freiburg to avoid relegation, needing at least a point for survival
Champions Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of “immortality” as they aim for an undefeated Bundesliga season on Saturday. Meanwhile, Union Berlin faces a crucial battle for survival.
Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, can become the first Bundesliga team to complete a season unbeaten if they avoid defeat against Augsburg. This feat has eluded even the greatest Bayern Munich sides.
Alonso’s team has maintained an unbeaten streak across all competitions, setting a European record with 50 consecutive games without a loss. This run includes reaching next week’s German Cup and Europa League finals.
A win against Augsburg would give Leverkusen 90 points from 34 games, tying the second-highest points tally in German football history.
Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick described the match as “like a final,” while captain Lukas Hradecky said the team had “immortality” in sight. Regardless of the outcome, Leverkusen will lift the Bundesliga shield on Saturday. Hradecky joked he would “be careful” not to hold it upside down, referencing Stuttgart captain Fernando Meira’s mishap in 2007.
In Berlin, Union Berlin must defeat Freiburg and rely on other results to avoid relegation. Union, which played Real Madrid in the Champions League in December, needs at least a point to secure its spot in the Bundesliga.
Union rose remarkably, finishing fourth last season to qualify for the Champions League. However, after topping the standings early this season, they plummeted following nine consecutive losses.
Currently in 16th place, Union needs a point to avoid automatic relegation. However, it would still face a playoff against Fortuna Düsseldorf, which finished third in the second division.
Freiburg coach Christian Streich, who ends his 14-year tenure at the club on Saturday, stated his team would “play to win” against Union.