Bayer Leverkusen has been dealt a major blow to its Bundesliga title defense, and Borussia Dortmund’s malaise has continued through Niko Kovač’s debut as coach.

Bayer Leverkusen was held to a goalless draw at Wolfsburg on Saturday, allowing league leader Bayern Munich to go eight points clear before the top two clash in Leverkusen next weekend. No team has ever made up such a gap at this stage of the Bundesliga season to become champion.

Xabi Alonso eqaulled the all-time coach record for the longest unbeaten run in away games in the Bundesliga on Saturday.