New Delhi: Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso’s last home game in charge ended in a 4-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, a side still chasing a Champions League spot. Following the loss, the Spaniard, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, waved goodbye to the home crowd after three transformative years in charge. He famously guided the club to a historic Bundesliga title and a German Cup triumph last season, his first full campaign as head coach.
Leverkusen’s title hopes fizzled out when they played a 2-2 draw at Freiburg, but the home fans were in the mood to celebrate the legend who led them to a first league title in their 120-year history.
In the post-match press conference, Alonso said, “We lived a lot of special moments, and it was a mixed feeling in the last home game. We are thankful for what we achieved in the past three years.” He added, “I have changed a lot in these years. We had many experiences luckily most of them good ones. Today maybe not, but I will forget this one quickly. What I lived here in Leverkusen has been very special.”
Simplemente @XabiAlonso 🥲#GraciasXabi | #SomosBayer04 🖤❤️ pic.twitter.com/3a4ANKs6YC
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_es) May 11, 2025
Dortmund barely ventured into Leverkusen’s half early on, but they opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. The hosts equalised just two minutes later as Adeyemi cut the ball back for Brandt to smash home. Brandt continued his influence just before halftime, winning the ball near the sideline and delivering a pass to Pascal Gross, who teed up Ryerson for Dortmund’s second.
The second half saw Dortmund strike twice in the space of four minutes. While Alonso’s men tried to stage a comeback, it was too little, too late. Jonas Hofmann pulled one back in injury time, but the deficit proved insurmountable.
Alonso was honoured before kickoff for his outstanding contribution to the club. Defender Jonathan Tah also received a tribute ahead of his expected departure. Leverkusen created several chances in the first half, but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel stood tall to deny them.
What’s next?
Xabi Alonso is widely expected to take over as Real Madrid manager with Carlo Ancelotti set to step down. Before that, he will lead Leverkusen one final time in their away fixture against Mainz on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund secured a 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen, spoiling Spanish coach Xabi Alonso’s final match in the home dugout. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
