Berlin (AFP)

Installed on the third step of the podium, Leverkusen opens Friday (8:30 p.m.) against Union Berlin on the 16th day of the Bundesliga, with the ambition to put pressure on Bayern Munich, leader in doubt, and his dolphin Leipzig.

But Lerverkusen, 4 points from Bayern and 2 from Leipzig and who remains on a draw at home against Werder Bremen (1-1) during the previous day, is offered an arduous trip on the lawn of the Union, 5th .

On Saturday, Leipzig, traveling to Wolfsburg (3.30 p.m.), will for its part have the opportunity, if successful, to take the lead in the championship, pending Bayern's match on Sunday against Freiburg.

Eliminated against all expectations Wednesday in the round of 16 of the German Cup by a D2 club, the European champion has the opportunity to bounce back by welcoming the 8th in the standings, which remains on a large success (5-0) against in Cologne, on the 15th day

"Obviously it's a shock. We are terribly disappointed. But we can not speak of a failing state of mind," Munich coach Hansi Flick wanted to reassure himself on Wednesday after elimination on penalties (2- 2, 6 tab to 5) in the field of Kiel.

The dream of a second triplet in a row Cup-Championship-Champions League has therefore flown.

But above all, Bayern remains on two consecutive losses, after its defeat on the previous day against Mönchengladbach (3-2), and is only two points ahead of RB Leipzig.

Mandatory reaction on Sunday so as not to see his pursuers return.

The other top names, namely Leipzig, Dortmund, Mönchengladbach and Leverkusen, have passed the threshold of the 16th round of the German Cup without a hitch and have therefore been full of confidence before this 16th day.

On Saturday (3.30 p.m.), in addition to the trip from Leipzig to Wolfsburg, Dortmund will receive the red lantern Mainz while Mönchengladbach (7th) will visit Stuttgart (6.30 p.m.).

Sunday (6 p.m.), Schalke 04, penultimate and engaged in a survival operation, pays a visit to Eintracht Frankfurt, 9th, for the close of this day.

The Ruhr club, far from its past splendor, however, has reason to hope, after seeing an end last Saturday to a series of 30 consecutive games without a win in the Bundesliga, by dominating Hoffenheim (4-0).

Program of the 16th day of the German Championship (in French hours):

Friday:

(8:30 p.m.) Union Berlin - Bayer Leverkusen

Saturday:

(3.30 p.m.) Hoffenheim - Bielefeld

Wolfsburg - RB Leipzig

Cologne - Hertha Berlin

Werder Bremen - Augsburg

Dortmund - Mainz

(6.30 p.m.) Stuttgart - Mönchengladbach

Sunday:

(3.30 p.m.) Bayern Munich - Friborg

(6 p.m.) Eintracht Frankfurt - Schalke 04

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