Bayer Leverkusen could have kept their slim Bundesliga title hopes alive with a win over St. Pauli, but the 1-1 draw, combined with Bayern Munich’s big win the day before, means only a miracle can now stop Bayern from securing the championship.

St. Pauli: Vasili, van der Heyden, Wahl, Nemeth, Saliakas, Buchholz, Smith, Troy, Metcalf, Sinani, Gouaida

Bayer Leverkusen: Hrádecký, Tah, Hincapié, Tapsoba, Grimaldo, Xhaka, Palacios, Frimpong, Wirtz, Nathan Tella, Schick

Just six minutes into the game, Carlo Buchholz delivered a dangerous cross into Leverkusen’s box, but Saliakas’s header sailed well over the bar. Moments later, Buchholz had another chance, but his header met the same fate.

In the 14th minute, Leverkusen had their first real opportunity when Jeremie Frimpong’s shot from the right side of the box was blocked. A minute later, St. Pauli threatened again, but Hrádecký saved Buchholz’s long-range effort.

The game settled down until the 32nd minute, when Patrik Schick headed in Alejandro Grimaldo’s cross from the right to give Xabi Alonso’s side the lead at halftime.

The second half was less eventful, with St. Pauli struggling to create clear chances. The game seemed headed for a Leverkusen win until the 74th minute, when St. Pauli thought they had equalized, but the goal was disallowed after VAR consultation due to a foul in the buildup.

However, Leverkusen failed to learn their lesson, and just four minutes later, Hrádecký’s weak save allowed Buchholz to tap in the equalizer.

Leverkusen pushed for a winner in the dying moments, but chances went begging. Hincapié’s header was saved, and Jonathan Tah’s follow-up was also kept out. The match ended 1-1, leaving Leverkusen unable to close the gap on Bayern. After 30 matchdays, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern lead with 72 points, while Leverkusen trail with 64.