Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title defense has hit another roadblock after they squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Holstein Kiel on Saturday. The result leaves Xabi Alonso’s side with 11 points from six matches, allowing Bayern Munich to extend their lead at the summit when they face Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday.
Leverkusen made a blistering start at the BayArena, with Victor Boniface opening the scoring after just four minutes. Exequiel Palacios’ incisive run created the opportunity, and the Argentinian was also involved in the second goal four minutes later, setting up Jonas Hofmann for a composed finish.
However, Kiel refused to be overawed and pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time. Max Geschwill forced the ball into the net with his shoulder, and the goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check.
Leverkusen’s defensive frailties were exposed again in the second half as Jann-Fiete Arp equalized from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. The hosts pushed for a winner but were unable to find a breakthrough.
In the capital, Union Berlin stunned Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 halftime lead. Kevin Vogt converted a penalty, and Yorbe Vertessen added a second. Dortmund rallied in the second half, with Julian Ryerson pulling one back in the 62nd minute. However, it was not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat.
Elsewhere, Wolfsburg earned a crucial 3-1 victory away to Bochum to climb out of the relegation zone. Werder Bremen suffered a 1-0 home loss to Freiburg, while Augsburg defeated Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 in a mid-table clash on Friday.
