Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, has described the upcoming eight days as a series of finals for his team, who are aiming to remain unbeaten until the season’s end. Leverkusen, having already secured the Bundesliga title, are poised to become the first German team to finish a league campaign without a loss as they prepare to host Augsburg on Saturday. Following this match, they face Atalanta in the Europa League final in Dublin on Wednesday, and then play the German Cup final against second-tier Kaiserslautern three days later. “Tomorrow is our first final,” Alonso stated. “We have the chance to achieve something historic.”
Chasing an Unbeaten Record
Leverkusen have enjoyed a phenomenal season, with their unbeaten run now at 50 matches in all competitions, surpassing Benfica’s 49-game streak from the 1960s. If they manage to complete the Bundesliga season without a loss, this streak will extend to 53 games. “To stay unbeaten in the Bundesliga – we’ll be the first team and we’ll be a part of history,” Alonso noted. The team has won 27 out of their 33 league matches, with their last defeat occurring at the end of the previous season against Bochum. This remarkable consistency has been the cornerstone of their success.
The significance of maintaining this unbeaten run is not lost on the players or the coaching staff. The achievement would cement their place in the annals of German football history, a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Alonso has emphasized that while the players should relish this moment, their focus must quickly shift to the forthcoming challenges.
Focus on the Final Week
Despite the potential for celebration, Alonso emphasized the importance of maintaining focus. “We can celebrate with our fans, but from Monday we need to be fully focused on our final week,” he said. The players, described by Alonso as professional and intelligent, understand the need to stay sharp. This mentality will be crucial as they navigate the pressures of their upcoming fixtures.
While this season has been record-breaking, one milestone that will remain out of reach is Bayern Munich’s 91-point total from the 2012-13 season. The highest point total Leverkusen can achieve is 90, provided they secure a win against Augsburg, who themselves are fighting for a spot in European competition next season. Augsburg’s motivation adds another layer of complexity to an already high-stakes match.
