Bayer Leverkusen's Historic Triumph: Breaking Records and Silencing Doubters

'Jurassic Park' was released in June 1993, followed by the Chicago Bulls winning their third NBA title in a row and the last episode of 'Late Night with David Letterman' being broadcast.

Since then, there have been five more 'Jurassic Park' films, the Bulls achieved another three-peat of titles, and the 'Late Night' show franchise has had multiple hosts.

If you were a supporter of Bayer Leverkusen, not much has changed in the last 31 years - disappointment has been a common theme. Ever since their victory in the German Cup in 1993, Leverkusen has continuously found new and heartbreaking ways to miss out on winning trophies.

A 42-year-old man from Spain’s Basque Country has changed that though now.

Xabi Alonso’s Midas touch has brought a modern day footballing miracle to Leverkusen, sweeping in a wave of positivity and optimism for a team often associated with heartbreak.

Alonso is still new to managing, but his team's 44-game unbeaten streak is impressive even for the best teams in soccer history. It's especially remarkable for a team like Leverkusen.

This season has already been successful, with Leverkusen winning the Bundesliga title. There is potential for even more success in domestic and European competitions, making this season one to remember.

But more than that, it has sought to banish the demons of years past.

Fans of Bayer Leverkusen celebrate with the players following the side's qualification for the semifinal stage in the Europa League after quarterfinal second-leg match against West Ham United.

Bayer Leverkusen fans rejoiced alongside the players as the team secured their spot in the Europa League semifinals. The exciting moment came after a thrilling quarterfinal second-leg match against West Ham United.

A new story

“Neverkusen.” “Vizekusen” (“Second-kusen”). “The Eternal Bridesmaids.” “The Nearly Men.

Leverkusen has earned a reputation for stumbling at crucial moments, leading to various nicknames. In the 2002 Champions League final, the team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Real Madrid, thanks to one of the greatest goals in European Cup history. Despite their efforts, Die Schwarzroten have ended up as runners-up in the league on several occasions. The club has been home to beloved players who later moved on to new opportunities after experiencing heartbreaking losses.

For Leverkusen’s loyal supporters, it's been a tough road filled with taunts from fans of rival teams.

Olaf Schmidt, a dedicated Leverkusen fan and volunteer at the club’s BayArena, shared with CNN Sport his experience of traveling to London to watch his team play in the Europa League quarterfinal second-leg match against West Ham United. Schmidt mentioned how the opposing fans often mockingly say, ‘You’ll never win the Bundesliga,’ which can sting a little.

Alonso has brought back Leverkusen's pride. The experienced midfielder, who has played for top clubs like Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Spain, has infused his team with a never-give-up attitude. His players are now known for scoring late goals, even when the situation looks dire. This was evident on Thursday night when Jeremie Frimpong scored in the 89th minute, extending Leverkusen's unbeaten run - the longest in the history of Europe's top four leagues (Germany, England, Spain, and Italy).

Alonso has brought bravery to a team which has been personified by fragility.

Since being hired in 2022, Xabi Alonso has brought about remarkable success for Leverkusen.

Since being hired in 2022, Xabi Alonso has brought about remarkable success for Leverkusen.

Lars Baron/Getty Images

Alonso's possession-based style of play requires courage from his players. Through his signings and leadership, he encourages those around him to believe in the system and be brave.

The Leverkusen team, under Alonso's guidance, has become a winning machine. From Florian Wirtz's skills on the ball to the discipline of the defenders and goalkeeper in recycling possession, they have found success with their coach from Tolosa.

Die Werkself fans could never have imagined their team surpassing Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga champion for the past 11 seasons, in such a dominant manner.

For the passionate Leverkusen supporters, dressed in red and cheering on their team at the Olympic Stadium in London, witnessing Bayer advance to the Europa League semifinals after a 1-1 draw with West Ham meant a great deal. They celebrated their 'Deutscher Meister' campaign and serenaded their favorite players, feeling immense pride and joy.

Bayer Leverkusen players pour beer on coach Xabi Alonso during a press conference after winning the team won the Bundesliga title.

Bayer Leverkusen players pour beer on coach Xabi Alonso during a press conference after winning the team won the Bundesliga title.

Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters

Related article

Xabi Alonso was showered in beer by his teammates after Bayer Leverkusen secured their first Bundesliga title. The team achieved this milestone with five games remaining in the season by defeating Werder Bremen 5-0 in front of their home fans, sparking a massive celebration. Leverkusen's victory marked a historic moment in the club's 119-year history.

Alonso was soaked in beer, tears were shed, and fans flooded onto the field to rejoice in a rare and unforgettable moment.

"It was incredible. I've been a fan for about 20-25 years, but I know many who have supported the club since it joined the Bundesliga 45 years ago," Schmidt shared with CNN.

"After years of being the laughingstock, Leverkusen fans could finally change the story. We never managed to win the Bundesliga, but it was a memorable moment. Everyone was out on the field that evening, tears of joy streaming down their faces."

“All our supporters, we sang: ‘We will never win the Bundesliga.’ It showed the verbal (middle) finger to others,” added Schmidt.

Leverkusen fans celebrated en masse on the pitch after winning the German league title.

Leverkusen fans celebrated en masse on the pitch after winning the German league title.

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

German football prioritizes the structure of club ownership, as shown by the 50+1 rule. This rule ensures that fans will always have a majority ownership in a team, even if it's just by one vote, allowing them to have a say in how the organization is run. Historically, this has caused some resentment towards Bayer Leverkusen, as they are supported by a pharmaceutical company.

However, Leverkusen's remarkable season under Alonso has changed perceptions. Their success, which has come at the expense of Bayern Munich, has captured the hearts and minds of many German football fans.

And the season is not over yet. In addition to making it to the semifinals of the Europa League, there is a chance for Leverkusen to achieve a famous treble as they are set to face second-tier FC Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final in May.

And what about all the pain and teasing that was endured?

“That’s history,” Uwe Schewiola, a Leverkusen fan since 1992, told CNN.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the remarkable transformation of Bayer Leverkusen under the guidance of manager Xabi Alonso. After years of disappointment and heartbreak, the team has found renewed success, winning the Bundesliga title and reaching the semifinals of the Europa League. Alonso's arrival has instilled a sense of belief and resilience in the players, who now fight until the final whistle, as evidenced by their impressive unbeaten streak. The team's success has not only brought joy to Leverkusen fans but has also changed perceptions of the club within the German football landscape.

Leverkusen's turnaround is a testament to the power of strong leadership and belief. Alonso's possession-based style of play has brought out the best in his players, who have embraced his philosophy and shown courage and determination on the pitch. The club's success has also been aided by the 50+1 rule, which ensures that fans have a say in the running of the organization. The rule has helped create a sense of unity and purpose at Leverkusen, with fans playing an active role in the club's decision-making process.