Bayer Leverkusen reaches Champions League, Union stuns Freiburg

Patrik Schick scored twice to shoot Bayer Leverkusen into the Champions League with a 4-2 win at Hoffenheim within the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Union Berlin surprised Freiburg 4-1 to dampen its Champions League hopes. Union secured no less than a spot within the Europa Conference League for the second season in a row after already attaining its greatest Bundesliga season.

Sixth-placed Union, which was promoted solely in 2019, has a two-point lead over Cologne of their tussle for Europa League qualification. Cologne misplaced at house to Wolfsburg 1-0.

Also, second-placed Borussia Dortmund defeated already relegated Greuther Fürth 3-1 away in Stefan Leitl’s final sport as Fürth coach. Leitl, who led the staff to promotion final season, is leaving after 3 1/2 years in cost.

Leverkusen was made to work onerous for its outcome in opposition to Hoffenheim, which hoped to maintain its European qualification possibilities alive.

Schick scored twice to take his season tally to 24 in 26 league appearances. Leverkusen twice got here from behind to safe third place, regardless of what occurs in its remaining sport in opposition to Freiburg subsequent weekend.

The high 4 in Germany qualify for the Champions League.

Freiburg’s defeat at house to Union gave Leipzig the possibility to maneuver to fourth by avoiding defeat at house to Augsburg on Sunday.

Freiburg, which additionally faces Leipzig within the German Cup remaining on May 21, was rocked by three first-half targets from Union.

Freiburg coach Christian Streich was booked for his livid response to an obvious infringement although it was unclear what it was.

Streich’s staff pushed onerous after the break and duly pulled one again. But Union substitute Andras Schäfer sealed the outcome with a fantastic particular person purpose within the final minute.

Cologne made a livid begin in opposition to Wolfsburg however failed to attain and was caught out earlier than the break when Yannick Gerhardt completed off a staff transfer from the guests.

Cologne followers stormed the pitch in celebration of a very good season regardless of the loss. Cologne captain Jonas Hector, who was mendacity on the sector in disappointment, rapidly left.

Hertha Berlin may safe its survival with a win at house over Mainz late.