Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen Moves 10 Points Clear Atop Bundesliga With 10 Rounds To Go – News18

BERLIN: Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen took one other step towards profitable the Bundesliga title on Sunday with a 2-0 derby win at 10-man Cologne.

Goals from Jeremie Frimpong and Álex Grimaldo in every half helped Leverkusen capitalize on Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Friday to maneuver 10 factors clear on the high with 10 rounds remaining.

“It wasn’t easy, but in the end to win here is a big step forward, and that’s the goal – to move forward,” stated Alonso, who took over as coach when Leverkusen was within the relegation zone in October 2022.

His workforce additionally stretched its German document unbeaten run to 34 video games throughout all competitions this season. Leverkusen hasn’t misplaced since a defeat to Bochum on the ultimate day final season.

“Game by game,” Alonso replied when requested if his aspect can stay unbeaten for the entire season.

Midfielder Granit Xhaka stated the workforce wants to stay targeted if it desires to finish Bayern’s 11-yr reign as German champion.

“Ten points are a lot, we have to be honest, but it’s not done yet,” Xhaka stated. “There are still many, many points to play for and we can’t say it’s decided … until it can be worked out mathematically. But we have to stay as we are, stay grounded, keep working and know as a team that we’ll need to collect a few more points.”

Referee Tobias Stieler was busy from the beginning on Sunday. He despatched off Cologne’s Jan Thielmann after a VAR evaluation within the 14th minute for stepping on the again of Xhaka’s ankle, and he booked three extra gamers inside the primary half-hour because the tackles flew.

Frimpong broke the impasse within the thirty seventh, changing from shut vary after some affected person buildup play from Leverkusen.

Cologne emerged with extra braveness after the break and virtually equalized within the 51st when Sargis Adamyan struck the suitable publish with a volley.

The residence followers did their finest to evoke their workforce because the guests appeared content material to keep up possession with out taking too many dangers.

But Grimaldo lastly sealed the consequence within the 73rd – once more after affected person buildup play.

Hoffenheim performed Werder Bremen later Sunday.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)