Bayer Leverkusen's Bundesliga title hopes were further dented following a goalless draw with Union Berlin.

The reigning champions had to settle for a point, despite controlling large periods of the contest and the return of Florian Wirtz from injury at BayArena.

Leverkusen's failure to achieve three points will see leaders Bayern Munich move eight clear at the summit with victory over Borussia Dortmund later on Saturday.

Despite enjoying 76.4% of possession during the first half, the hosts' dominance yielded just a single shot on target.

Even Wirtz's introduction just before the hour mark failed to spark Leverkusen into life, with Union continuing to keep them at bay.

Alonso's side saw a golden opportunity through Jonathan Tah go begging in stoppage time, as a trademark last-gasp winner eluded them, as well as the opportunity to apply the pressure on Vincent Kompany's Bayern.

Data Debrief: Hosts draw blank but Hofmann makes history

Despite enjoying 74.6% of possession throughout the contest, Leverkusen registered just three shots on target with an xG of 0.55.

Union subsequently held out for a point, though they have now failed to score in 12 of their 29 Bundesliga matches this season, with only St. Pauli (14) drawing more blanks in the division.

On an individual note, Jonas Hofmann climbed off the bench to becoming the first player in history to avoid defeat in each of his opening 40 Bundesliga games (won 30, drawn 10).