Bayer Leverkusen broke Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga record by defeating Mainz 2-1 on Friday, extending their unbeaten streak to 33 games across all competitions. Xabi Alonso’s side have an 11-point lead over defending champion Bayern Munich, who face Leipzig on Saturday and 11 matches are remaining after this weekend.
“We deserve to be where we are,” Xhaka said. “When you’re eight points, now 11 points, ahead of second-place Bayern, there is a lot to lose. But we’ll keep working day by day, game by game, stay positive, and I’m sure we’ll be able to keep getting our wins.”
The buildup to Friday’s match was dominated by speculation about Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso’s future, with former clubs Bayern Munich and Liverpool looking for new coaches for next season.
Alonso has no shortage of suitors after transforming Leverkusen from a relegation battler to a genuine title contender in his first senior management position in October 2022.
“It’s all just speculation, my head is totally here,” Alonso repeated on Friday. “We have so much to do, we’re in such a super position. So enjoying it, preparing, and that’s all that’s going on in my head.”
Supporters celebrated the German football league’s midweek decision to scrap its plan to bring in an outside investor for a share of media rights revenue by displaying a banner reading ‘Football belongs to the fans’.
They didn’t have to wait long to celebrate again, as Xhaka put Leverkusen ahead in the third minute. The Swiss midfielder scored his first goal for the club on his 31st appearance, shooting from outside the penalty area. However, four minutes later, Dominik Kohr scored for the visitors with a header from the other end.
Leverkusen went on to dominate possession. The home team’s urgency increased towards the end of the half, when lex Grimaldo drew a good save from Robin Zentner with a free kick.
Leverkusen’s frustrations grew when Jeremie Frimpong was booked for complaining after being tripped by Mainz defender Phillipp Mwene when he had a clear shot on goal. Television replays showed that there was contact. Alonso was also arrested for his complaints.
The frustration persisted after the break, as Leverkusen failed to find a way through.
The otherwise excellent Zentner then failed to hold Robert Andrich’s seemingly harmless shot in the 68th, and the ball looped in over his head. It was enough for the win, as Mainz’s hopes were dashed in the 80th minute when Jessic Ngankam was sent off following a VAR review for a dangerous tackle on Xhaka.
“We’ve played better,” Alonso said. “But that’s normal in a season, you can’t always play super.”