Palacios late winner Retains Luverkusen's title hopes

Augsburg, 

Saturday, 13 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

A 94th-minute strike by Exequiel Palacios retained the Bundesliga title race on as Bayer Luverkusen overcast Augsburg 1-0 in a tight match played at the WWK Arena on Saturday. 

The win also restored their four-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, as Xabi Alonso’s men maintained their 25-match unbeaten run in the German Bundesliga so far this season. 

The icy conditions delayed Luverkusen's attempts for a lead as both Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick were held om bay by a reselient Augsburg. 

Ermedin Demirović whipped one wide from outside the area, before Grimaldo thundered against the bar himself from distance for the visitors. 

Dahmen was on hand again to keep out Robert Andrich’s header before the break, leading to an unlikely half-time scoreline given that Leverkusen had been ahead after 45 minutes on a league-high 11 occasions this campaign.

Demirovic overcame Lukas Hradecky, but sent his effort wide, before Phillip Tietz had his strike ruled out for offside. 

Manager Xavi Alonso then introduced Florian Wirtz who added more pace for Leverkusen, but Augsburg tightened their Defence to ensure the results were not against them. 

The match was seemingly ending on a draw before a pass from Grimaldo was brought under control and smashed in from close range by Palacios, preserving Leverkusen’s position at the summit of the Bundesliga table.

Augsburg were ever so close to a first league clean sheet of the campaign, but they ultimately extended their winless run to four competitive matches.