BERLIN-. Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick scored near the end and the Bayer Leverkusen beat 2-1 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga and avoided its first defeat of the season on Saturday.
It seemed that Leverkusen's current record of 38 games without losing in Germany was about to come to an end in the first match since Xabi Alonso confirmed that he is staying with the club. Andrich equalized in the 88th minute and Schick scored the winner in the first minute of added time.
Maximilian Beier surprised the hosts by scoring with Hoffenheim's first chance in the 33rd minute after a 1-2 play with Wout Weghorst, but Leverkusen's relentless pressure finally paid off.
Leverkusen remains on course for its first league title and extended its unbeaten record to 39 games. Leverkusen has not lost since the first match of the season, 3-0 against Bochum.
They also extended their lead over Bayern Munich to 13 points before the 11-time defending champion hosts Borussia Dortmund in the Clásico.
With the victory, Leverkusen confirmed its place in the next Champions League. Alonso's team cannot finish below fourth place in the standings with seven days left. He needs four more wins to win the title.
Also, Freiburg beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 in their first match since Christian Streich announced he will leave the club at the end of the campaign.
Wolfsburg enjoyed a 2-0 victory over 10-man Werder Bremen in coach Ralph Hasenhüttl's debut. Both teams were left with one less player.
Eintracht Frankfurt drew 0-0 with Union Berlin, the same as Mainz and Leipzig.
