Leverkusen's title challenge dented by 0-0 draw with Union | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz couldn't lead Bayer Leverkusen to victory on his return from injury, as the Werkself were held to a 0-0 draw by Union Berlin.

The draw is a setback for Leverkusen's title ambitions, with Bayern Munich able to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points if they defeat Borussia Dortmund later on Saturday.

Union Berlin thought they had taken the lead just 10 minutes into the game when Leopold Querfeld put the ball over the line following a Lukas Hradecky save. However, the centre-back was offside, and the goal was ruled out.

Patrik Schick produced Leverkusen's first real attempt of the game, curling a shot just wide of the post around the half-hour mark.

With Leverkusen chasing the lead, Florian Wirtz made his long-awaited return from an ankle injury in the 57th minute, stepping onto the pitch to a warm welcome from the BayArena crowd as he replaced Aleix Garcia.

The visitors had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Benedict Hollerbach found himself with plenty of time, but his poorly executed lob was easily gathered by Hradecky.

Leverkusen pushed for a late goal, but couldn't find the breakthrough, ultimately dropping crucial points.