Bayer Leverkusen has won the Bundesliga title for the first time in the club’s history with five games to spare. This is the first major trophy for ex-Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder with a treble still a possibility this campaign.
The German side won their debut title on Sunday with a 5-0 win at home over Werder Bremen, breaking Bayern Munich’s 12-year stranglehold on the domestic league.
How has Leverkusen performed under Xabi Alonso?
The German side have now gone a league-record 29 matches without defeat this season and secured their first trophy in the club’s 120-year history with five matches to spare.
With this title, Leverkusen has ended Bayern Munich’s dominance of 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles. They hold a 16-point lead over Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Alonso took over the managerial role back in 2022 and won only one of his first seven managers but still managed to qualify for Europe in that season. In his second full season, Leverkusen are now on 79 points — the best tally after 29 games in the German league history.
“We have to enjoy and celebrate today with our families, friends, and fans,” said Alonso, who was showered with beer after the victory in a German tradition. “This was my first [full] season as a coach, the feeling is incredible.”
There’s still a possibility of Leverkusen winning the treble, as they are through to the finals of the German Cup and have one foot in the Europa League semi-finals having beaten West Ham 2-0 in their first-leg quarter-final clash.
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How has the Leverkusen fans reacted to this historical moment?
As soon as the final whistle blew, Leverkusen fans invaded the pitch and started celebrating with the players. The atmosphere at BayArena were full of passion and happiness as the German club ended their “Neverkusen” curse to become the German champions.
The fans lit and stormed into the pitch once Florian Wirtz made it 5-0 just ahead of stoppage time. Bayer Leverkusen is on course to win a remarkable treble in Alonso’s first full season in charge.
Alonso promised to continue at Leverkusen next year despite reported interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich.
“I want to be near the players, talk to them, and as someone who played I know what they’re feeling.
“I have empathy and connection with the players, which is important in the dressing room. I try and keep this connection to the team.”