On Sunday, Bayer Leverkusen accomplished a historic feat, clinching their first-ever Bundesliga title in their 120-year existence.
Their resounding 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen not only secured the coveted trophy but also ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign at the top of German football.
Under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen displayed remarkable composure, knowing that a win would seal the championship with five games left to play.
Their performance exuded dominance, with Florian Wirtz netting a memorable hat-trick, complemented by goals from Victor Boniface and Granit Xhaka. This triumph extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak to an astonishing 43 games across all competitions.
For a club that had endured five runner-up finishes in the past, this title victory banished the lingering shadow of their infamous ‘Neverkusen’ label. The dream of a historic treble now beckons for the jubilant team and its supporters.
As the final whistle approached, the atmosphere reached a crescendo, with fans eagerly spilling onto the pitch in anticipation of celebrating their team’s long-awaited triumph.
Despite the premature rush, Leverkusen’s players managed to restore order, allowing for a joyous yet orderly celebration as fans mingled with the players on the hallowed turf.
Leverkusen’s remarkable season is underscored by their record-breaking tally of 79 points after just 29 games, establishing a new benchmark in German football history.
They currently sit comfortably atop the league standings, boasting a commanding 16-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich and third-placed Stuttgart.
Speaking after the historic victory, Granit Xhaka expressed his overwhelming emotions, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of their achievement.
He credited the unwavering support of the fans and acknowledged the surreal journey from his disappointment at Arsenal to lifting the Bundesliga trophy with Leverkusen.
Reflecting on their remarkable season, Xhaka admitted that their initial aspirations had been modest but were soon surpassed by their dominant displays on the pitch.