After Bayern Munich lost to Borussia Dortmund, manager Thomas Tuchel admitted defeat in the Bundesliga title race and congratulated Bayer Leverkusen.
Dortmund won 2-0 with goals from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Ryerson, marking their first victory in Der Klassiker in five years.
Leverkusen had also won earlier in the day, extending their lead over Bayern to 13 points.
Tuchel will be leaving Bayern at the end of the season after being the first manager to break their streak of winning titles.
Xabi Alonso’s team has not lost a game in the league this season and is very likely to win the Bundesliga title.
When asked if the title race was finished after the match, Tuchel responded: “Obviously, yes.
“After today’s game there is no more need to count points. How many is it now? Congratulations to Leverkusen.
“We are very disappointed because we felt we did not bring the necessary passion to win the game. It was too little from us when it came to the basics.”
The victory was a big confidence boost for Leverkusen, especially after Alonso confirmed he would not be leaving the club in the summer.
There were rumors linking the former Liverpool midfielder with a move to Anfield to replace Jurgen Klopp or to join another one of his former clubs when Tuchel leaves.
Leverkusen only need three more wins from their remaining seven matches to secure their first-ever title.
Meanwhile, Dortmund has moved three points ahead of RB Leipzig in fifth place as they aim to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
