Leverkusen reach Champions League

BERLIN, May 7, (AP): Patrik Schick scored twice to shoot Bayer Leverkusen into the Champions League with a 4-2 win at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Union Berlin stunned Freiburg 4-1 to dampen their Champions League hopes. Union secured at least a place in the Europa Conference League for the second season in a row after already achieving its best Bundesliga season.

Sixth-placed Union, which were promoted only in 2019, have a twopoint lead over Cologne in their tussle for Europa League qualification. Cologne lost at home to Wolfsburg 1-0.

Also, second-placed Borussia Dortmund defeated already relegated Greuther Fürth 3-1 away in Stefan Leitl’s last game as Fürth coach. Leitl, who led the team to promotion last season, is leaving after 3 1/2 years in charge.

Leverkusen were made to work hard for their result against Hoffenheim, which were hoping to keep their European qualification chances alive.

Schick scored twice to take his season tally to 24 in 26 league appearances. Leverkusen twice came from behind to secure third place, irrespective of what happens in their final game