Xabi Alonso

Bayer Leverkusen create history; becomes the fourth side to finish invincibles

Sripad

Bayer Leverkusen have created history and become the first Bundesliga team to go unbeaten in a season. Xabi Alonso’s drew six of the 34 matches and won 28 times to finish with 90 points. 

Leverkusen finished the season on Saturday with a 2-1 win over Augsburg. The incredible season also ended Bayern Munich’s 11-season reign at the top of the Bundesliga. 

They are the first team since Arsenal to go a whole season unbeaten in the Top 5 European leagues. The Gunners had won 26 of their 2003/04 season but the german side have done better. 

Alonso’s side have two more matches to go this season – the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern and the Europa League final against Atalanta. 

Xabi Alonso spoke about Bayer Leverkusen going unbeaten

Xabi Alonso spoke earlier this season about the side’s incredible form and stated that it was on his mind. However, he was not getting carried away and said:

“I experienced it as a player, but getting them as a coach in Leverkusen will be very special. I am very proud of the players. They were very focused all season to experience this moment. This is very special. Of course, it’s also good for me, but I’m proud of the team, of the young players who had this chance for the first time. And hopefully, they still have a long career so that it wasn’t the last time.” 

He added:

“We still have three games in the Bundesliga, Europa League and in the cup. Next Saturday we can reach a very nice destination. It would be great if we could win the championship cup without defeat…(something) that has never happened before. Then we have eleven days to go full throttle, to fight, to try everything.” 

Bayer Leverkusen are keeping hold of Alonso for another season despite interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The manager has already announced that he will remain in charge next season. 

Apart from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Chelsea were also said to be keeping tabs on Alonso. Real Madrid are also said to be in the running and are touted to be his next destination when Carlo Ancelotti leaves.

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