Bayer Leverkusen will be forced to settle for a Champions League playoff tie despite easing to a 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim in their penultimate Bundesliga fixture.
Despite struggling to enjoy long spells of possession early on, Hoffenheim were creating good opportunities to trouble the hosts, with Tarik Elyounoussi and Anthony Modeste both seeing low efforts stopped by Bernd Leno.
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Leverkusen improved as the first half progressed, and only good goalkeeping at the other end of the pitch kept the game goalless as Oliver Baumann saved a free kick from Hakan Calhanoglu before denying Heung-Min Son.
However, a moment of brilliance broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time as Calhanoglu tried his luck with another free kick which left Baumann helpless.
Much like he had done early in the game, Elyounoussi's movement caused problems for Leverkusen at the start of the second half, but he could only slice an effort wide.
Calhanoglu then became the creator to double Leverkusen's lead as he delivered an inch-perfect pass into the path of Stefan Kiessling, who kept his composure to slot home.
Kiessling could have scored his second a few moments later, but he could only send his effort past the post after being picked out by Omer Toprak.
Despite enjoying spells on top in the closing stages, Hoffenheim were unable to set up a dramatic finish as Leverkusen held on for a comfortable win.
Callum Mulvihill
