Leverkusen ended their season by making history with an unbeaten run, winning the Bundesliga for the first time. However, coach Xabi Alonso shocked fans by announcing his departure, leaving the club after a record-breaking and unforgettable journey.
A Historic Draw and an Emotional Farewell
Leverkusen may not have won their final Bundesliga match of the 2024–25 season, but they still had plenty to smile about. In a 2-2 draw against Mainz at the Mewa Arena, the team made history by completing another full season without losing a single away match. Even more emotional was the fact that this special achievement came on the same day their head coach, Xabi Alonso, officially said goodbye to the club.
Two Years of Away Dominance
Unbeaten Away in Back-to-Back Seasons
Leverkusen became the first team in German football history to stay unbeaten in away matches for two straight Bundesliga seasons. This is a huge milestone in German football and shows how consistent the team has been under Xabi Alonso’s leadership.
Last season, Leverkusen won the Bundesliga without losing a single match, either home or away. This year, while they didn’t win the league—losing the title to Bayern Munich—they still managed to stay unbeaten in all 17 away games. They only lost three matches the whole season, and all those losses were at home.
A Record Beyond Bayern Munich
With this latest away draw against Mainz, Leverkusen broke Bayern Munich’s previous record of 33 unbeaten away matches, which Bayern had achieved across two seasons under coaches Jupp Heynckes and Pep Guardiola. Leverkusen now stand alone at the top, with 34 unbeaten away matches under one coach—Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso’s Last Match
A Coach Who Changed Leverkusen
Saturday’s match was more than just another Bundesliga fixture—it was the final match for Xabi Alonso as Leverkusen’s coach. The 43-year-old Spaniard had already announced that he would leave the club a year before his contract ended. There are strong reports suggesting that he will become the next coach of Real Madrid, as Carlo Ancelotti is expected to take over the Brazil national team job.
Under Alonso, Leverkusen became one of Europe’s most exciting teams. In the 2023–24 season, they won the Bundesliga title and also lifted the German Cup, going unbeaten in all matches. Even though they couldn’t repeat that success this season, Alonso’s impact is undeniable.
Leaving with a Unique Record
Before leaving, Alonso created a record that no other coach has done in German football. He took Leverkusen through 34 consecutive away matches without a defeat, including 23 wins and 11 draws. He also broke the record set by Udo Lattek, who had managed 27 unbeaten away games with Bayern Munich between 1983 and 1987.
What’s Next for Leverkusen and Alonso?
New Season, New Coach
Leverkusen’s next Bundesliga season will start on August 22, 2025, and they’ll have the chance to extend their unbeaten away record in the first match. However, they will do so without Xabi Alonso on the bench. The club will now need to find a new manager who can continue the progress and success Alonso brought.
Alonso’s New Challenge
As for Alonso, his next step is likely to be one of the biggest jobs in football—managing Real Madrid. If the move is confirmed, it will be a major test of his coaching skills. But judging by his success at Leverkusen, fans of Real Madrid have plenty of reasons to be excited.
Final Thoughts
Leverkusen didn’t win the title this season, but they created history and proved they are one of the strongest teams in Germany. Under Xabi Alonso, they achieved a level of success and consistency rarely seen in football. As Alonso moves on to new challenges, Leverkusen will look to build on the strong foundation he leaves behind.