Bayer Leverkusen Chase Bundesliga Immortality, Union Berlin Fight for Survival
Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, stand on the cusp of history as they aim to become the first team to complete an undefeated season in the league's history. On Saturday, they face Augsburg in a match that could cement their legacy as one of the greatest teams in German football.
Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen have been unstoppable this season, setting a European record with a 50-game unbeaten streak that includes runs to the German Cup and Europa League finals. Their relentless form has seen them amass 87 points from 33 games, putting them on the brink of an unprecedented achievement.
A victory against Augsburg would give Leverkusen 90 points from 34 games, equaling the second-highest tally in Bundesliga history. Striker Patrik Schick has described the match as "like a final," while captain Lukas Hradecky has spoken of the "immortality" that awaits his team.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Union Berlin face a desperate battle for survival. The club, which made its Champions League debut this season, must defeat Freiburg and hope for favorable results elsewhere to avoid relegation.
Union's rise has been remarkable, from their debut promotion in 2019 to their fourth-place finish last season. However, a disastrous run of nine straight losses this season has left them in danger of falling back to the second division.
Even a win against Freiburg may not be enough for Union, as they need Mainz or Bochum to lose their respective matches. Freiburg coach Christian Streich has vowed to "play to win," but Union will be determined to secure their Bundesliga status.
In other matches, Borussia Dortmund host last-placed Darmstadt in Marco Reus' final game at the Westfalenstadion. Bayern Munich, already assured of second place, will look to extend their unbeaten run against Hoffenheim. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur needs six goals to break Robert Lewandowski's single-season Bundesliga record of 41.
Tags: #Bundesliga, #BayerLeverkusen, #UnionBerlin, #UndefeatedSeason, #RelegationBattle
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