Bayer Leverkusen is on the cusp of creating history. They are one game away from writing their names in the history books. They’ve longed for this moment. They have suffered and stumbled—that 2002 season. Which saw them losing every final haunts them still, but Leverkusen will finally burn down the bitter past and rise like a phoenix. If Bayer Leverkusen wins against SV Werder Bremen on Sunday, they will win the title. Once upon a time, they were tagged with the moniker of ‘Neverkusen’ because of their inability to win crucial finals. They have not lost a single game this season. Now they have become ‘Neverlusen’
Defying the odds
When the season started, nobody expected Leverkusen to go this far. They were seen as challengers for a European place rather than title contenders. Since then, they’ve won 24 out of 28 games in the Bundesliga with only 4 draws and 0 defeats. They are unbeaten in all competitions. They’ve gone toe to toe with Germany’s finest and come out on top. Xabi Alonso’s side has exceeded all expectations. This is a historic season. This team has broken Bayern’s dominance and paved the way for clubs with modest financial resources.
Character Personified
Leverkusen is in no way, a big club. They can’t make signings for a hundred million dollars. They don’t have money pumped into them from Saudi Shareholders. Like most Bundesliga clubs, they follow the 50+1 rule which allows the fans to have a say in the club’s affairs rather than an outside investor. They have never won the Meisterschalle. Leverkusen have defied all the odds to become the top dog in Germany. They have made their way to the summit through smart signings, good football, and their mentality.
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Challenging the Status Quo
Football has become a business. It’s all about money. That is why it has become common for the richest clubs to dominate their respective leagues while clubs with limited financial resources languish in the sorry state of mediocrity. Leverkusen has challenged this. They have proved that teams with modest means can not only do well but also challenge for titles. Die Schwarzroten have relied on homegrown talents such as Florian Wirtz and made shrewd signings such as Victor Boniface to buoy them in their bid for the Bundesliga. They have also displayed immense character in matches. Leverkusen has come back to win games that have looked unwinnable. Their never-say-die mentality has put them on the edge of greatness.
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Conclusion
Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Leverkusen is pivotal. It’s rare to see a manager not jump ship and get a job at a traditional ‘big club’. This Leverkusen side isn’t a one-season wonder, Xabi Alonso and co are looking to create a dynasty, a dynasty that isn’t only challenging for domestic titles but also for continental championships. If Leverkusen wins this weekend, it’s not only a victory for fans from the city next to the Rhine. It’s a win for football.
