Leverkusen beat Union to equal record, close on title

BERLIN : Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen battled past Union Berlin 1-0 on Saturday to equal a league record unbeaten run of 28 consecutive matches and all but secure their first league title with a 16-point advantage at the top and six matches remaining.

The visitors, who are also through to the German Cup final and face West Ham United next week in their Europa League quarter-final first leg, put Union on the back foot from the start.

Despite a string of chances Xabi Alonso's team had to wait until deep in first-half stoppage time for Florian Wirtz to convert a penalty. Minutes earlier Union had Robin Gosens sent off following a second booking.

Leverkusen, who have gone 41 matches across all competitions this season without defeat, are on 76 points and can seal their first title next week, with second-placed Bayern Munich on 60 after a 3-2 defeat at Heidenheim.