Bayer Leverkusen have officially been crowned German champions for the first time in their history after overcoming Werder Bremen 2-0 at the BayArena.
Since 2013, the Bundesliga has been dominated ruthlessly by Bayern Munich, with their stranglehold on the league appearing, at times, unstoppable. However, Xabi Alonso and his merry men have been able to slay Der Rekordmeister as they look to create their own dynasty.
With the BayArena in full voice prior to kick-off, a slow start from Leverkusen allowed nerves to creep in on the terraces and, seemingly, onto the pitch. Regardless, after VAR judged Jonas Hofmann to have been fouled inside the box, Die Werkself had the opportunity to take a crucial 1-0 lead.
Up stepped Victor Boniface to lash Leverkusen in front and simultaneously send the home fans into delirium. With the hosts on the hunt for a second, they would have to wait for the second half, but it would be more than worth it.
Granit Xhaka has arguably been the signing of the season, and for Leverkusen, perhaps their player of the year, meaning that when he doubled the advantage with a sumptuous effort, an extra special feeling coursed through the BayArena.
Florian Wirtz then added a third with a thunderous effort that dipped vicously over Michael Zetterer as the party atmosphere continued to intensify within the ground. The 20-year-old magician then added a fourth and fifth to complete his first ever career hattrick before the final whistle blew to crown Bayer Leverkusen as the 2024 German champions.
The start of a new era in Germany
For Leverkusen, the long wait for a Bundesliga title is over. Forever the bridesmaid and never the bride, Die Werkself had previously finished second five times without ever lifting the Meisterschale.
With the monicker of Vizekusen, or Neverkusen, hanging over the club, there was a sense that this day would never come. Nevertheless, Alonso has been able to orchestrate one of, if not the greatest, success stories in Bundesliga history.
When the Spaniard arrived at the club last season, Leverkusen were 17th in the league and embroiled in a surprising relegation battle. Having turned their fortunes around, helping guide the club to a sixth-place finish, Alonso looked to be pushing Leverkusen to new heights.
This season, the Werkself have been spectacular. Unbeaten in all competitions, an unprecedented treble is on the table, in what would represent one of the greatest achievements by any German side or any side in history.
As well as this, Alonso has committed his future to the club, which would suggest that so too will the players. With Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund currently embroiled in a transitional period, Leverkusen have everything in place to start a new era in German football.
For eleven years, Bayern Munich have been the team to topple in the Bundesliga. However, now it is Leverkusen, and it could be for the next decade as they look to reign supreme over Germany for the foreseeable future.
Will they become Germany’s next super team?
GGFN | Will Shopland
