Bayer Leverkusen are celebrating their first-ever Bundesliga title after beating Werder Bremen on Sunday.
Xabi Alonso’s side claimed the title on Matchday 29 out of 34 with a win over Werder Bremen that gives them an unassailable lead at the top of the table ahead of Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart.
Leverkusen have become the first team since Borussia Dortmund in 2011/12 to beat Bayern to a Bundesliga title.
A remarkable unbeaten run – that’s now stretched to 43 games – has seen them claim the honour with games to spare and they can now set their sights on a possible DFB Cup and UEFA Europa League treble.
Reaction to Leverkusen’s title win
DFL CEOs Marc Lenz and Steffen Merkel:
“On behalf of the DFL, we would like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Bayer 04 Leverkusen on winning the Bundesliga championship. Bayer 04 have played incredible attacking football all season long, displaying impressive consistency. The team on the pitch, the coaches, club management, employees and fans have operated as a cohesive unit in a way that has been extraordinary to behold. We are in no doubt that the well-earned first championship title in the club’s history is going to be celebrated in style in Leverkusen.”
Lenz and Merkel will present the Meisterschale trophy at the BayArena on Matchday 34 after Leverkusen have played their last home match of the season (against FC Augsburg – Saturday 18 May, kick-off at 3:30 p.m. CEST).
Paulo Sergio, Bundesliga Legend (121 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen):
“Congratulations to Bayer 04 Leverkusen! What the team has done this season is remarkable and I am so happy for the team, the staff and the whole city of Leverkusen. To get to this point unbeaten, and to win some of the games in the manner that they have, is a phenomenal achievement, and they thoroughly deserve the praise and recognition they are receiving.”
Philipp Lahm, Bundesliga Legend & eight-time Bundesliga champion:
“Congratulations to the team of Bayer Leverkusen, to Xabi Alonso and his coaching staff, as well as to the entire club and its fans on a great season. The control of play and the confidence that the team has developed under the leadership of Xabi Alonso are outstanding. A very well-deserved win of the Deutsche Meisterschaft! The old marketing gag “Vizekusen” can finally be laid to rest.”
Lothar Matthäus, Bundesliga Legend & seven-time Bundesliga champion:
“Congratulations and hats off to the whole Bayer 04 Leverkusen team. The way Xabi Alonso has built up the team this season is admirable. They have dominated the Bundesliga this year and are still on course for success in the Europa League and the DFB Cup final.”
Jürgen Klinsmann, Bundesliga Legend & one-time Bundesliga champion:
“What a fairytale season for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and all of its fans. I can only admire coach Xabi Alonso and his staff with all the players and helpers to such an incredible season. They played the most exciting football all year long and proved game after game that you never give up until the referee blows the final whistle. Huge compliment and congratulations to Bayer 04 Leverkusen.”
Bundesliga.com
