Leaders Leverkusen battle past Heidenheim 2-1 for record-equalling run

Bayer Leverkusen scored once in either half to battle past hosts Heidenheim 2-1 on Saturday and open up an eight-point gap at the top of the table while also equalling a German record of 32 matches without defeat across all competitions.

The visitors, who have never won a Bundesliga title, snatched the lead on the stroke of half-time when Jeremie Frimpong slotted home a deflected shot.

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Leverkusen, whose last major trophy was the 1993 German Cup, had chances to score again and Germany international Florian Wirtz hit the crossbar in the 77th minute.  

He made soon amends, however, delivering a superb assist three minutes later for Amine Adli to stab in and make it 2-0. Heidenheim reduced the deficit in the 87th minute through Tim Kleindienst but could not find an equaliser.

Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images

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Xabi Alonso's team have yet to lose a match this season -- both in domestic and European competitions -- and have equalled Bayern Munich's record run of 32 unbeaten matches from 2020.

"It was not difficult for us to play well after last week," Alonso said, in reference to his team's 3-0 win over Bayern Munich.

"We were ready to do it today and I liked that. The players are ready not just for the top games but they were alert and motivated today as well."

"I am not going to celebrate my 500 days in this post," added the Spanish coach. "I am satisfied with the game and the performance and the result. We are in a good situation, we will keep going and we will take it one game at a time."

Leverkusen are top on 58 points, eight ahead of Bayern, who take on VfL Bochum on Sunday. 

Heidenheim, whose eight-game unbeaten run in the league came to an end, drop to 10th.