Bayer Leverkusen's players celebrate during the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1 FC Union Berlin and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Berlin, Germany on April 6, 2024. - AFP BERLIN: Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen battled past Union Berlin 1-0 on Saturday to equal a league record unbeaten run of 28 consecutive matches and all but secure their first league title with a 16-point advantage at the top and six matches remaining.

Xabi Alonso's team, who have not lost in 41 matches across all competitions this season, can clinch their maiden Bundesliga title and first trophy in 31 years with a victory at home against Werder Bremen next week.

They are on 76 points with six games left and second-placed Bayern Munich anchored on 60 following a shock 3-2 defeat at Heidenheim, their second league loss in a row. Leverkusen, also through to the German Cup final and face West Ham United next week in their Europa League quarter-final first leg, put Union on the back foot from the start.

Despite a string of chances, Xabi Alonso's team had to wait until deep in first-half stoppage time for Florian Wirtz to convert a penalty. Minutes earlier Union had Robin Gosens sent off following a second booking.

Union never really mounted any comeback with a player down in the second half and Leverkusen only needed to control the game.

Bayern waste two-goal lead to slump to 3-2 shock loss at Heidenheim Bayern Munich squandered a two-goal lead to slump to a shock 3-2 loss at Heidenheim on Saturday that all but dashed the Bavarians' slim Bundesliga title hopes with six games left to play. Tim Kleindienst completed a memorable comeback for the hosts in the 79th minute, leaving Bayern 16 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who can seal their first title after next week's matches.

The Bavarians, who take on Arsenal next week in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, looked to be cruising to a comfortable win after first half goals from Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry.

But the hosts struck back with two goals in two minutes --from Kevin Sessa and Kleindienst -- to stun Thomas Tuchel's team. Kleindienst then made sure of the three points and Bayern's second straight league loss. Bayern are second on 60 points, with Bayer Leverkusen on 76. Heidenheim are 10th with 33 points.