Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen took a small step towards successful 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 capitalise on Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Friday to maneuver 10 factors clear on the high with 10 rounds remaining.
Leverkusen additionally stretched its German document unbeaten run to 34 video games throughout all competitions this season. The workforce hasn’t misplaced since a defeat to Bochum on the ultimate day final season.
Referee Tobias Stieler was busy from the beginning. He despatched off Cologne’s Jan Thielmann after a VAR overview within the 14th minute for stepping on the again of Granit 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 equalised within the 51st when Sargis Adamyan struck the proper publish with a volley.
The residence followers did their finest to awaken their workforce because the guests appeared content material to take care of possession with out taking too many dangers.
But Grimaldo lastly sealed the end result within the 73rd – once more after affected person buildup play.
Leverkusen was combating relegation when Spaniard Alonso took over as coach in October 2022.
Hoffenheim was to play Werder Bremen later.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com