Wirtz returns but Leverkusen frustrated | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen frustrated by Union Berlin in stalemate

Despite controlling possession, Bayer Leverkusen drew 0-0 with Union Berlin in a hard-fought Bundesliga match, in which the visitors also had opportunities to steal the points.

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Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Union Berlin

Leverkusen, looking to maintain their title challenge, faced an Union side in fine form, unbeaten in their last four games. The stage was set for an intriguing battle between Xabi Alonso's attacking side and Steffen Baumgart's resilient Union outfit.

Florian Wirtz was unable to inspire Leverkusen to victory. (Lars Baron)

From the opening whistle, the hosts asserted their dominance, seeing plenty of the ball and pushing Union. Jeremie Frimpong had an early chance, firing into the side netting within seconds of kick-off. Despite their control, Leverkusen struggled to troubled Frederik Rønnow between the opposing sticks. The visitors had a golden chance to take the lead in the 14th minute when Leopold Querfeld bundled the ball over the line, but the goal was disallowed for offside. As the half progressed, Leverkusen continued to probe, with Patrik Schick twice going close.

The second half saw Leverkusen intensify their efforts to find a breakthrough. Xabi Alonso turned to his bench in the 57th minute, bringing on Florian Wirtz in an attempt to unlock the stubborn Union defence. The young playmaker's introduction immediately energised Leverkusen's attack, with Exequiel Alejandro Palacios forcing a save from Rønnow shortly after. Union Berlin, however, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, with Benedict Hollerbach missing a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead in the 72nd minute. As the clock ticked down, Leverkusen threw everything forward, but Union's resolute defending held firm.

The final stages of the match saw both teams receive yellow cards as tensions rose. Even in the face of Leverkusen's pressure, Union's defence remained resolute, with Rønnow making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. The match ended in a frustrating share of the spoils for the hosts, with Union's tactical discipline earning them a valuable point away from home.

Player of the Match: Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka emerged as the standout performer in a tightly contested match. The Swiss midfielder was at the heart of Leverkusen's dominance, dictating play from deep and consistently finding ways to progress the ball against Union's compact defence. Xhaka completed an impressive 92% of his passes, many of which were forward-thinking and aimed at breaking Union's lines. His ability to escape pressure was crucial, successfully evading 82% of the pressing situations he faced. Defensively, Xhaka was equally important, making several key interceptions and providing a shield for the backline against Union's counter-attacks. While unable to inspire a victory, Xhaka's control and composure in midfield were vital in Leverkusen's efforts to break down a stubborn opponent.

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Leverkusen 1.31 - Union Berlin 0.41Fastest player: Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), 34.25 km/hMost pressed player: Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen), 25 times under pressurePass efficiency: Piero Hincapié (Leverkusen), 3.97

Fantasy Heroes: Piero Hincapié (Leverkusen, 361 Points), Granit Xhaka (Leverkusen, 259 Points), Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen, 251 Points)

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