# Bundesliga Round 34: Leverkusen Triumphs Over Köln, Secure Championship with Goals from Schick and Wirtz
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2022-23 Bundesliga season, Bayer Leverkusen secured their first league title in over a decade with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Köln on Saturday. The match, which took place at the BayArena in Leverkusen, was a nail-biter filled with dramatic moments and showcased the tactical brilliance of both teams.
### Leverkusen’s Stellar Performance
Leverkusen came into the match knowing that a win would secure them the Bundesliga title, regardless of the results of other matches. With just three games remaining in the season, the pressure was on, but the team rose to the occasion. Dominik Schick opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a clinical finish, putting Leverkusen ahead. The goal was a reward for their early dominance and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Köln responded well and almost levelled the score in the 30th minute when Dejan Ljubičić fired a powerful shot from outside the box. However, Leverkusen’s defense held firm, and the visitors struggled to create clear chances. Leverkusen’s second goal came just before halftime, thanks to another excellent team move. Jonas Hector, the Köln captain, made a costly mistake in the 43rd minute, playing Schick onside, and the forward coolly slotted home to put Leverkusen 2-0 up.
### Köln’s Fight Back Falls Short
Köln, despite their best efforts, couldn’t find an equalizer. Ljubičić had a goal disallowed in the 57th minute after a tight offside decision by the referee, and while they pressed hard, Leverkusen’s defense stood firm. The visitors’ only consolation came in the 83rd minute when Anthony Modeste scored a late goal, but it was too little, too late.
### A Historic Title for Leverkusen
This victory not only secured the Bundesliga title for Leverkusen but also marked the end of a long wait for the club. The last time Leverkusen won the league was in 2011-12, and this title win was achieved under the management of Gerardo Seoane, who has transformed the team’s style of play since joining in 2020. The club’s fans will remember this season for years to come, as Leverkusen became the first team to win the league with just three games remaining since Bayern Munich in 2000-01.
### Reaction and Celebrations
The players and staff of Leverkusen celebrated wildly after the final whistle, knowing the significance of the victory. Schick and Wirtz, who scored the crucial goals, were mobbed by their teammates in celebration. Meanwhile, Köln’s players and fans reflected on a season that ended on a sour note, but they can still be proud of their team’s resilience and fight.
### Bundesliga Standings Update
With this win, Leverkusen mathematically secured the title, finishing three points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich. The remaining matches will determine the final standings, but Leverkusen’s victory in Round 34 will be remembered as one of the most memorable moments in Bundesliga history.
In a season full of drama and high-scoring games, Leverkusen’s triumph is a fitting conclusion to the 2022-23 Bundesliga season, proving once again why the German league is the most competitive in Europe.