Turn 3 into 1

We turn three necessary victories into one necessary victory. After our three points at Union and the Bayern defeat in Heidenheim, we need one more win to win the championship. But first things first.
The soccer world looks on in amazement at Leverkusen, where the Werkself have apparently decided to turn the Bundesliga into a one-man show - or should we say a one-team show? After a triumphant 1-0 win at Union Berlin and a damaging defeat of Bayern in Heidenheim, Bayer 04 have not only climbed to the top of the table, but are now 16 points above the rest. Yes, you read that right: 16 points!

While Bayern are licking their wounds somewhere in Heidenheim, Leverkusen could make history next Sunday against Werder Bremen. One win and the Black & Reds could snatch the league title.

Xabi Alonso, the Spanish master of strategy, has made a good shake-up against Union Berlin and brought in six fresh faces. The result? A game that Leverkusen dominated, even if the goal was only scored in stoppage time from a penalty. A classic case of "late, but not too late". Union Berlin, usually such a robust fortress, could do little to counter Leverkusen's patient style of play.

After the break, Bayer retained the upper hand, even if the second goal failed to materialize. But why waste energy unnecessarily when the lead is safely in the bag and the opponent is a man down? A bit like a cat and mouse, only in this case the mouse is quite big and dressed in red and white.

The next challenge awaits with the Europa League clash against West Ham United.  Alonso and his team know that there is no room for arrogance.