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BERLIN (AP) — Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen took one other step towards profitable the Bundesliga title on Sunday with a 2-0 derby win at 10-man Koln.
Objectives from Jeremie Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo in every half helped Leverkusen capitalize on Bayern Munich’s 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Friday to maneuver 10 factors clear on the high with 10 rounds remaining.
“It wasn’t simple, however ultimately to win here’s a huge step ahead, and that is the purpose – to maneuver ahead,” mentioned Alonso, who took over as coach when Leverkusen was within the relegation zone in October 2022.
His workforce additionally stretched its German file unbeaten run to 34 video games throughout all competitions this season. Leverkusen hasn’t misplaced since a defeat to Bochum on the ultimate day final season.
“Recreation by recreation,” Alonso replied when requested if his aspect can stay unbeaten for the entire season.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka mentioned the workforce wants to stay centered if it desires to finish Bayern’s 11-year reign as German champion.
“Ten factors are so much, we have now to be trustworthy, however it’s not accomplished but,” Xhaka mentioned. “There are nonetheless many, many factors to play for and we won’t say it is determined … till it may be labored out mathematically. However we have now to remain as we’re, keep grounded, hold working and know as a workforce that we’ll want to gather just a few extra factors.”
Referee Tobias Stieler was busy from the beginning on Sunday. He despatched off Koln’s Jan Thielmann after a VAR evaluate within the 14th minute for stepping on the again of 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.
Koln emerged with extra braveness after the break and nearly equalized within the 51st when Sargis Adamyan struck the proper put up with a volley.
The house followers did their finest to evoke their workforce because the guests appeared content material to take care of possession with out taking too many dangers.
However Grimaldo lastly sealed the outcome within the 73rd – once more after affected person buildup play.
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