Leverkusen stalemate dents title hopes
Bayer Leverkusen missed the chance to apply pressure on Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich after a 0-0 draw with Union Berlin, but the damage was not catastrophic as Bayern could also only draw, 2-2 against Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker.
Defending champion Leverkusen had to settle for a point, despite controlling large periods of the contest and enjoying the return of Florian Wirtz from injury at BayArena.
Leverkusen's failure to achieve three points could have seen Bayern move eight clear at the summit with victory over Borussia Dortmund later in the day, but Dortmund pulled a rabbit out of the hat to secure a point of its own and keep things unchanged at the top.
Leverkusen's first-half dominance yielded just a single shot on target.
Even Wirtz's introduction just before the hour mark failed to spark Xabi Alonso's side into life, with Union continuing to keep it at bay.
Leverkusen saw a golden opportunity through Jonathan Tah go begging in stoppage-time, as a trademark last-gasp winner eluded the hosts.
With five games left remaining, the odds are stacked against Leverkusen when it comes to retaining its champion's crown.
"For us it was just not good enough. We were missing energy, especially in the last third of the pitch," Alonso said.
"We did not create chances.
"It [the title race] is not finished yet and we need to keep going.
"We had a chance today and missed it. The feeling is not euphoric. We have to accept it."
The result did, however, guarantee Leverkusen's place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
