Germany: Bayer Leverkusen are Bundesliga champions
Bayer Leverkusen 5 - 0 Werder Bremen
Undefeated Bayer Leverkusen clinched their inaugural Bundesliga championship on Sunday with a resounding 5-0 triumph over Werder Bremen, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year dominance of the league.
Under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen, who have amassed an unprecedented 29-match unbeaten streak this season, secured their first title since 1993. They currently hold a commanding 16-point lead over Bayern with just five matches left in the season.
Leverkusen left nothing to chance, securing the title in their first opportunity, with Florian Wirtz netting a hat-trick in a victory that extended their unbeaten streak across all competitions to an impressive 43 games this season.
They earned a penalty in the 24th minute, which Victor Boniface, returning from a three-month injury hiatus, converted, marking his first league goal since December and his 11th of the campaign.
Despite numerous opportunities to increase their lead in a dominant first half, including Amine Adli hitting the woodwork, Leverkusen maintained their focus.
Werder Bremen did emerge with some renewed vigour after halftime, attempting to disrupt Leverkusen's celebrations, but Granit Xhaka's strike from 25 meters out in the 60th minute ignited jubilant scenes among the home supporters.
Leverkusen continued their assault, with substitute Wirtz adding another goal eight minutes later. The German international secured his brace in the 83rd minute, prompting eager fans to briefly invade the pitch. He completed his hat trick in the 90th minute, sealing his team's outstanding performance and securing the title emphatically.
Leverkusen are champions!
— Jay Dee (@JDESFNews) April 14, 2024
More reaction coming up on https://t.co/P6SgAJKVYZ pic.twitter.com/z7zvGimdqi
How Alonso created this new mentality
For this match in particular, they were prepared. Unlike Borussia Dortmund, who faced heartbreak on the final day of last season when their opportunity to overthrow Bayern Munich slipped away, they remained calm and composed.
Both on and off the field, this season has been a masterclass in how to operate as a well-oiled machine. High-quality recruitment and coaching have combined to create an ideal environment for these players to reach the pinnacle of their abilities.
Explore how Leverkusen won the Bundesliga by clicking here
This is what it meant - some of the best social media reaction
HANG IT IN THE LOUVRE! 🖼️#Winnerkusen #DeutscherMeisterSVB @JeremieFrimpong pic.twitter.com/AWbowAgy4U
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 14, 2024
News Ball posted on Facebook: "It is great to see another team challenging Bayern Munich for trophies after their long period of dominance. Everyone at Leverkusen deserves this success, and it would be one of the greatest achievements if they were to win three trophies without losing any matches.
"During this match, there was a total calm among these players throughout. They looked like the best team in Germany. Their recent performance against West Ham United in the Europa League proved that they can compete in multiple competitions."
More Leverkusen news and stories
What else are people saying?
William, a Liverpool fan, told us: "Congratulations on ending Bayern's dominance in German football. Hopefully, the team will retain their star players and not sell them to other clubs straight away. Well done to Alonso for staying on as a manager after being a class act as a player."
Andy is a Bayern Munich fan, he added: "This is just a temporary setback. Bayern will come back strong. Remember when another team in Dortmund provoked us and won two league titles in a row? We responded by winning the next 11 seasons. The same will happen again."
