Bayer Leverkusen lift Bundesliga title; Xabi Alonso creates history

Bayer Leverkusen have created history and lifted their first Bundesliga title. Xabi Alonso’s side thrashed Werder Bremen 5-0 at home to extend their unbeaten run to 43 games, 29 of which have come in the league.

The win on Sunday saw Leverkusen take an unassailable 16-point lead at the top with five matches left in the season. The title win ended Bayern Munich’s 11-season run, who managed to push the title celebration to Sunday after beating Koln on Saturday.

Victor Boniface opened the scoring for Leverkusen on Sunday from the spot before Granit Xhaka doubled the lead in the second-half. Florian Wirtz joined the party late, but managed to score a hattrick to seal a stunning 5-0 win.

Alonso took over at the Bay Arena in October 2022 when the side were battling near the relegation zone. The Spaniard has turned things around for the German side, and they have now gone unbeaten in all competitions so far and have a chance to complete a treble.

DFL CEOs Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel were quick to issue a joint statement on the historic win and said:

“On behalf of the DFL, we would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on winning the Bundesliga championship. Bayer 04 have played incredible attacking football all season long, displaying impressive consistency. The team on the pitch, the coaches, club management, employees and fans have operated as a cohesive unit in a way that has been extraordinary to behold. We are in no doubt that the well-earned first championship title in the club’s history is going to be celebrated in style in Leverkusen.”

Bayern Munich legend also join in to congratulate their club’s former player, Xabi Alonso, after the win. Philipp Lahm was the first to comment and the 8-time Bundesliga champions said:

“Congratulations to the team of Bayer Leverkusen, to Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff, as well as to the entire club and its fans on a great season. The control of play and the confidence that the team has developed under the leadership of Xabi Alonso are outstanding. A very well-deserved win of the Deutsche Meisterschaft! The old marketing gag ‘Vizekusen’ can finally be laid to rest.”

Lothar Matthäus, a 7-time champion, also chipped in and said:

“Congratulations and hats off to the whole Bayer 04 Leverkusen team. The way Xabi Alonso has built up the team this season is admirable. They have dominated the Bundesliga this year and are still on course for success in the Europa League and the DFB Cup final.”

Bayern Munich were interested in hiring Xabi Alonso at the end of the season, but has confirmed his plans to continue at Bayer Leverkusen for another season, at least.

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