Bundesliga: first national coronation for surprise Bayer Leverkusen, supporters invade the pitch

Simply invincible! By winning this Sunday 5-0 against Werder Bremen, Bayer Leverkusen is assured of finishing in first place in the Bundesliga standings this season. At home, thanks to this 43rd victory in as many matches this season in all competitions, Xabi Alonso’s men offered Leverkusen the first title in its history, in 120 years of existence. Historical.

With this first title, Bayer Leverkusen puts an end to the very long series of Bayern Munich, crowned during the eleven previous seasons. Like its season, the North Rhine-Westphalia club was imperial this Sunday. Victor Boniface opened the scoring in the first half from a penalty, with a powerful shot from the right from mid-height. He then magnificently served Xhaka (60th), who was able to unleash without control a splendid shot from the left which lodged in the top corner of the Bremen goalkeeper.

[⚽️ VIDÉO BUT] 🇩🇪 #Bundesliga
😱💣 OH FLORIAN WIRTZ’S CANNONBALL FOR THE 3-0!!!
💥🏆 Leverkusen knocks out Werder Bremen and seals the title of GERMAN CHAMPION!!#B04SVW https://t.co/onci68z2bm

— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) April 14, 2024

Florian Wirtz, who had also scored with Germany the quickest goal conceded by the Blues on March 23 during a friendly match, completed the job. With a powerful strike from the right launched at the entrance to the penalty area, the attacking midfielder scored the third goal of the game (68th), before doubling the lead on a counter in the 83rd then killing all suspense at the 89th. These are his 15th, 16th and 17th goals of the season, he who also provided 18 assists.

The pitch invaded by supporters

Ultimately, the most difficult thing for Leverkusen was to contain the crowd present at the BayArena. The fourth goal of the day caused the start of an invasion of the pitch, partly contained by the players themselves. But impossible, however, to hold them back after the last goal. The referee quickly whistled the end of the match, which had already given its verdict a long time ago anyway.

It is also Xabi Alonso’s first title as a coach, at 42 and five years after his debut with Real Sociedad’s B team. At the end of last month during a press conference, the former Spain midfielder assured that he would stay with the German club for at least one more season.

“Putting everything together, I made this important decision,” he explained. I’m convinced it’s the right one. I belong here, I will stay at Bayer. » He had been announced as leaving for several European giants including Bayern and Liverpool, two of his former clubs, but the former player should not leave the ship.