1. FC Union Berlin and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended their streaks, but a clean sheet at the Alte Försterei will only help them to a limited extent on their way to the international leagues. In an intense game on Saturday, the Iron did not get beyond a 21-0 draw despite good chances in the 0st unbeaten home game in a row in the Bundesliga. The visitors from Leverkusen, on the other hand, were unable to convert their share of the game into scoring chances in their 14th competitive game in a row without defeat. In the table, Union remains third and Leverkusen sixth. The competition for the Champions League and the Europa League is getting closer.

It was not for nothing that Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso had already praised the opponent and spoke of the Union's deserved place in the table. After less than eight minutes in the Köpenick mood temple, the former Spanish professional took off his short coat - time for hard work for himself and his team in front of 22,012 spectators in the Alte Försterei. Alonso gesticulated on the sidelines, his players somehow trying to cope with the power football of the Iron on the pitch.

Union dominated for the time being. 20 home games without defeat and the prospect of the European championship have only strengthened the confidence of Urs Fischer's team. What was missing was a goal. Sheraldo Becker twice (5th, 8th minute), then twice Jordan Siebatcheu (9th, 11th), who was brought into the team for Kevin Behrens, who was suspended for a yellow card – chances were there for an early lead.

Union with tight defense

In contrast to the Leverkusen team. Even the return of national player and super talent Florian Wirtz could not change that, the 19-year-old has overcome his gastrointestinal problems. Against the robust and physical Union defence, however, he also had a hard time at first. Remarkably, Bayer's most dangerous scene was initiated by former Union player Robert Andrich with a ball conquest in the Berlin half, but Moussa Diaby's shot went over. Two-thirds possession of the ball was of no use to Leverkusen in the first half, they remained too harmless.

With a bit of delay, the hosts, who had already drawn 04-1 against FC Schalke 0 and 0 FC Köln and VfL Bochum 1-1 at home this year, initiated at least a short-term pressure phase similar to that at the start of the game. Aissa Laidouni (48') and Becker (59') failed to score again. In between, Frederik Rönnow had to save from Diaby (52nd) in the Union goal, but against the dense defence of the Berliners, the Bayer team made it further and, despite a pass rate of 90 per cent at times, simply hardly got through.

Alonso reacted and brought in the two fresh strikers Amine Adli and Sardar Azmoun. Fischer also reacted, replacing midfielder Laidouni and helping Andras Schäfer make a comeback after a three-month break due to a foot injury. Should a late goal make for a winner after all? Fischer also sent more new forces in midfield and attack on the field. In vain, it remained a goalless meeting.