Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated their resilience once again as they clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hoffenheim, snatching victory from the brink of defeat with last-gasp goals from Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick.
Initially, it seemed Hoffenheim might shatter Leverkusen's 39-match unbeaten streak, as Maximilian Baier's first-half strike put them in the driver's seat. However, Leverkusen refused to relent, with Andrich equalising in the 88th minute before Schick's injury-time volley secured another stunning comeback win.
The triumph propels title-bound Leverkusen a staggering 13 points clear of Bayern Munich, who were set to face Borussia Dortmund later that day, with just seven matches remaining in the season.
This late victory adds to Leverkusen's reputation for securing wins in the dying moments, a trend that has characterised their season under the leadership of manager Xabi Alonso. Notable late victories include triumphs over Augsburg, Leipzig, and Stuttgart in the German Cup, and twice against Qarabag in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, RB Leipzig's bid for a Champions League spot suffered a setback with a goalless draw against lowly Mainz. Despite dominant spells, Leipzig were frustrated, with early penalty appeals overturned by VAR and a disallowed goal for offside.
Elsewhere, new Wolfsburg manager Ralph Hasenhuettl marked his debut with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Werder Bremen. Bremen's Anthony Jung's last-man foul saw them reduced to ten just before halftime, paving the way for Maxence Lacroix to put Wolfsburg ahead.
Despite Lacroix's dismissal in the second half, Lovro Majer secured the win for the Wolves.
In another fixture, Freiburg, under the guidance of Christian Streich, in his final season at the club, took a significant step towards European qualification with a commanding 3-0 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach. The Black Forest side dominated proceedings, with goals from Michael Gregoritsch, Merlin Roehl, and Ritsu Doan.
Finally, Union Berlin secured a valuable point with a goalless draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, edging them nine points clear of the relegation zone.
