Bayer Leverkusen Stun Bayern Munich, End 11-Yr Reign, Win First Bundesliga Title
BAYER Leverkusen crushed Werder Bremen 5-0 today to win the Bundesliga for the first time in their 120-year history, breaking Bayern Munich’s 11-year stranglehold on the German title.
Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen were controlled and dominant despite the occasion, a hat-trick from Florian Wirtz alongside goals from Victor Boniface and Granit Xhaka extending their unbeaten run to a stunning 43 games in all competitions.
Leverkusen were not among the favourites for the title at the beginning of the season, with Bayern expected to wrap up a 12th consecutive title and Borussia Dortmund, pipped to the post last year, anticipated to be their closest challengers.
But Spanish coach Alonso has led his team to the verge of the first invincible season in Bundesliga history, with the German Cup final to come and Leverkusen still in the Europa League.
With five games to go, the new Champions has amassed 79 points, 16 more than second-placed Bayern. It also broke the Bundesliga record for most undefeated matches in a single season
Among their best performers have been left-wingback Alex Grimaldo, a free transfer signing at the beginning of the season, experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, a homegrown talent who scored three times on Sunday, and Nigeria striker, Victor Boniface who had received five Bundesliga rookie award this season.
The maiden title win came after five second-place finishes in their history.
Eighteen-Eleven Media
