It was close, but Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen remains undefeated in the 2023/24 season. In Azerbaijan, Qarabag leads 2-0 in the Europa League, but Xabi uses starters in the second half and maintains an unbeaten record with goals from Wirtz and Schick.
A Strategy That Would Be Costly
Leader of the Bundesliga, Leverkusen took to the field a team full of reserves. The German team seemed to want to give greater priority to today’s lineup choice. Xabi understands that he is very close to doing something historic, which is why he took bold action before the ball rolled.
Qarabag, as unknown as it may be to some, is not a messy team. For those who don’t remember, the Azerbaijani team had already made life difficult for the Germans in the group stage. On that occasion, the match ended in a simple 1-0 for Leverkusen.
An Incredible Qarabag
It is certainly undeniable that Qarabag had a dream first-half. Not only did he face a powerful team, but it also made him despair. It was a much bolder and braver team than we saw in the group stage. Without fear of going on the attack, they opened up a good 2-0 lead before the break. Highlight for Brazilian striker Juninho, who until then was playing a great game.
Schick Last Minute
However, at half-time, Xabi Alonso called in the cavalry. Frimpong entered at the beginning of the second stage. Shortly afterward, Xhaka and Wirtz entered the field. By arranging the team and giving the match a different rhythm, the German team prevailed little by little.
The young number 10 started the Germans’ reaction, with a beautiful cavadinha finish, which covered the goalkeeper, at 25. Shortly afterward, Schick and Stanisic took to the field. And the Czech top scorer scored with a header, almost in the 47th minute of the second half, to guarantee the draw and maintain Leverkusen’s unbeaten record: 2-2.
Bayern Leverkusen Remains Unbeatable
With this result, the German team not only stayed alive in the tournament but also increased its record. In 35 games under the command of Xabi Alonso, there are 30 wins and now 5 draws. A 90% use of their games, something that is fantastic.
If they remain unbeaten in Germany for four more games, Leverkusen will be the team that has remained undefeated for the longest time in a tournament year, equaling Bayern itself in 2013/14, at the time led by Pep Guardiola.
As a bonus, the team will also close a ghost from its past. Without Bundesliga titles, the club became a joke among rivals for being the only giant to lose the feat. Furthermore, on other occasions, the club was very close to glory but wasted it.
A second title in the Europa League remains in the cards. Champions in 1987/88, the Lions reached the knockout stage with the best campaign in the groups: six games, six wins, 19 goals scored and only three conceded.
Among the competitors, is the powerful Liverpool, the favorite for the title. Another challenger, that is worthy of the team that enchants and wins in Europe. Not surprisingly, the Reds and domestic rivals Bayern are targeting Xabi Alonso as a potential commander for next year. It remains to be seen whether the Spaniard’s farewell will be as perfect as it has been since the start of the season.
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In the Bundesliga, the leader of the German championship takes the field against Wolfsburg, this Sunday. As said before, Bayern Leverkusen would only need four more positive results to reach their maximum objective.
For the Europa League, the second leg is scheduled for next Thursday. Even if nothing is decided, Leverkusen is the big favorite.