Bayer Leverkusen are getting closer to immortality
Josip Stanisic’s 97th minute header against Borussia Dortmund last Sunday was another late goal for Leverkusen. With it Die Werkself managed to keep their unbeaten record going.
A few days earlier, it was West Ham who were close to stopping Alonso’s side in their Europa League quarterfinal tie but the newly crowned Bundesliga champions also managed to escape with a draw in that game.
After the Dortmund game Alonso said “It felt great. It was more explosive than last week probably.”
Leverkusen have managed to score 20 times after the 86th minute this season. Most of these goals have helped them maintain their unbeaten run.
Special team spirit
Leverkusen are only 8 games away from immortality. Win those games or just draw a few then they will not only win a historic treble but will also achieve an unprecedented unbeaten season.
This is something even the invincibles of Arsenal or Pep Guardiola’s treble winning Barcelona side couldn’t achieve.
What makes Alonso’s side successful is not only matters on the pitch and the intricate tactics but also the amazing team spirit.
You can clearly see how the players are United and ready to give everything on the pitch. Xhaka’s interviews portray his leadership qualities as he once said he has shared his experience of losing the title when he was at Arsenal with his teammates. Players like Frimpong have that vibrant personality that is crucial in any team.
From ‘Neverkusen’ to ‘Neverlosen’
Alonso has managed to get the best out of almost all the players at his disposal. Players like Florian Writz have reached another level of excellence while the issues at the back line have been solved swiftly.
Leverkusen didn’t have trouble responding to any type of team they faced. Whether their opponents pressed, sat back or dominated possession they always seemed to have the answer.
Thanks also to the support of Leverkusen’s hierarchy Alonso has found a suitable working environment that made him decide to stay on for another year. This was a shock for many as there were plenty of mouthwatering opportunities for the Spaniard.
It will not only be how many trophies Leverkusen will win that will determine how the season will be remembered. If they manage to finish it all off by going unbeaten then this story will be one for the history books.
From the mocking term ‘Neverkusen’ to the glamorous ‘Neverlosen’, it has been quite a journey. And the next few weeks will determine one of the historic tales of modern football.