Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen has made an indelible mark on Bundesliga history, achieving an unprecedented feat by becoming the first team to complete an entire season without a single defeat. Their remarkable journey culminated in a 2-1 victory over Augsburg, securing a record of 28 wins and six draws. This extraordinary accomplishment has not only brought immense pride to the team but has also set a new standard in German football. Alonso, reflecting on this historic season, emphasized the lasting significance of their achievement.
“Our team has written itself into Bundesliga history,” said an elated Alonso. “In 20 years, we will look back and all be able to say: ‘Wow, we were there.’ We will never forget this day. It is totally deserved. After the game against Bremen, we knew that we could achieve great things. I’m really proud of the team. The fans can celebrate today. We’ll enjoy it and then recover tomorrow.”
Celebrations at BayArena: Fans Rejoice in Historic Victory
The atmosphere at BayArena was nothing short of electric, as fans gathered to celebrate their team’s unprecedented achievement. A choral “Hallelujah” resonated through the stadium’s PA system at the final whistle, and a plane trailing a “German Champion” banner soared above, adding to the festive mood. The sellout crowd of 30,000 was on its feet, cheering as Leverkusen’s players received their first-ever league winners’ medals. Alonso, who took the helm as manager in October 2022 when the team was languishing in the relegation zone, was visibly moved as he received his medal. His decision to stay on for the next season, despite interest from Bayern Munich, was met with roaring approval from the fans.
“It’s an exceptional season that we’ve had, not just in Germany but, I think, in Europe,” Alonso remarked. “We remember the 2003–04 Arsenal Invincibles in the Premier League and Juventus in the Italian Serie A in 2011–12, so we deserve this part of history in European soccer.”
A Season for the Ages: Alonso’s Leadership and Team Resilience
Leverkusen’s unbeaten season is a testament to the resilience, determination, and skill of Alonso’s squad. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky led the celebrations by climbing into the stands to hand the trophy to the fans, symbolizing the unity and bond between the team and its supporters. The players donned retro shirts bearing the names of past club greats, such as German striker Rudi Völler, Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal, Mexican forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, and local talent Kai Havertz, now at Arsenal. These players, despite winning some of world soccer’s biggest prizes, never managed to secure a trophy with Leverkusen. Until now, the club was often derided as “Neverkusen” for its perennial runner-up status.
Alonso’s leadership has breathed new life into the team, rejuvenating the careers of several players. Midfielder Granit Xhaka, who had a tumultuous relationship with Arsenal’s fans before joining Leverkusen, found new vigor under Alonso’s guidance. Similarly, strikers Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface overcame injuries this season to score crucial goals, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Bayern Munich’s Disappointment: A Season of Unfulfilled Expectations
In stark contrast to Leverkusen’s triumph, Bayern Munich faced a disappointing end to their season, finishing third in the league for the first time since the 2010–11 campaign. Despite a strong start against Hoffenheim, with early goals from Mathys Tel and Alphonso Davies, Bayern succumbed to a 4-2 defeat. This marked their lowest finish in over a decade and highlighted the challenges faced by departing manager Thomas Tuchel.
The 32-time Bundesliga champions were 2-0 up within the first six minutes, thanks to Tel’s header and Davies’ left-footed shot. However, Hoffenheim quickly responded with a goal from Maximilian Beier, who found the top left corner after exchanging passes with Andrej Kramaric. The second half saw Hoffenheim turn the game on its head, with Kramaric equalizing and then securing a hat-trick, sealing a famous win for Hoffenheim and condemning Bayern to their worst league campaign in over a decade.
Looking Ahead: Leverkusen’s Next Challenges
With the Bundesliga title secured, Leverkusen’s focus now shifts to their upcoming finals. They are set to face Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final in Dublin and Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal final next weekend. Alonso and his team are determined to add more titles to their historic season.
“I believe it, but I need more time, and for now we don’t have much time,” Alonso said. “For tomorrow, we have our next big target.”
This unbeaten season is all the more remarkable given Bayern’s decade of dominance on the field and their financial advantage over all German rivals. Alonso’s title-winning team is a blend of up-and-coming talents and seasoned players who found new energy and purpose under his leadership.
A Momentous Season: Reflections and Future Aspirations
Alonso’s tenure has not only revitalized the team but has also created a sense of unity and purpose that has resonated with the fans. The sellout crowd at BayArena, the emotional celebrations, and the heartfelt speeches all point to a season that will be remembered for years to come. As Leverkusen continues to chase further glory, their undefeated season will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in Bundesliga history, cementing their place among Europe’s elite teams.
The journey from relegation threats to record-breaking champions has been nothing short of spectacular. The unity between the team and its supporters, the rejuvenation of players under Alonso’s leadership, and the historic unbeaten run are testaments to the exceptional work done by everyone involved with Bayer Leverkusen. As the team prepares for their upcoming finals, the sense of achievement and pride will undoubtedly carry them forward, aiming to cap off an already extraordinary season with even more silverware.
The Information is Collected from Eurosport and GOAL.
