Xabi Alonso’s time as Bayer Leverkusen manager came to a close this past Sunday, marked by a 4-2 defeat against Borussia Dortmund. The match, Alonso’s last home game in charge, was a bittersweet occasion, a mix of celebration and farewell. After three years at the helm, punctuated by a Bundesliga title and a German Cup victory, the legendary midfielder-turned-coach bid a heartfelt goodbye to the Leverkusen faithful, spending time on the pitch after the final whistle to acknowledge the fans’ support.
Despite the loss, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Alonso’s impact on the club was evident in the pre-game tributes, shared with departing defender Jonathan Tah. The team itself started strongly, creating numerous scoring opportunities, only to be thwarted by Dortmund’s impressive goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel. Alonso later reflected on the match, acknowledging the team’s strong first half performance, but also pointing out their less-than-stellar second half. He also stated that, in the end, the football itself wasn’t the most important aspect of the day.
The game itself saw a flurry of goals. Leverkusen took the early lead thanks to a goal from Jeremie Frimpong, assisted by Florian Wirtz, a moment that sparked a team celebration around Alonso. However, Dortmund quickly responded, with Julian Brandt and Julian Ryerson finding the back of the net before halftime. The second half saw Dortmund extend their lead further, with Adeyemi and Guirassy adding their names to the scoresheet. Wirtz did manage to set up a late consolation goal for Jonas Hofmann, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.
In his post-match press conference, Alonso expressed gratitude for his time at Leverkusen, highlighting the many special moments experienced during his three-year tenure. He acknowledged the mixed emotions of his final home game, emphasizing his appreciation for the achievements of the past three years and the personal growth he had experienced. Alonso’s departure leaves a significant void at Leverkusen, but his legacy is undoubtedly secured by his contributions to the club’s success and the lasting impact he made on its fans.
