In a summary of the past two and a half years, it’s been creatively bold, often late, and undeniably impressive for Borussia Dortmund. As stoppage time was running out, Florian Wirtz received the ball on the left, with seemingly no opportunity to cross; yet he executed a brilliant outside-foot pass towards the back post. Substitute Jonas Hofmann capitalized, darting in to score with a diving header in the second minute of added time, marking yet another last-minute goal for Bayer Leverkusen. However, the response was subdued, as the familiar tones of ATC’s “All Around The World” played, greeting the moment with a significant echo.
This time, though, it was already settled. Xabi Alonso’s team suffered their third Bundesliga loss of the season, but the moment felt overdue for both the coach and the team. Following last weekend’s title concession to Bayern Munich, Alonso also announced, “these last two games will be my final two games as Bayer Leverkusen’s coach.” This news brought a sense of relief and clarity, allowing for a genuine celebration of what Alonso’s tenure has meant for both him and the club.
Before Sunday’s match, Alonso received a commemorative shirt along with the official street sign for Xabi Alonso Allee, named after him on the day of the title victory 13 months prior. During the ceremony, it was refreshing to see even the travelling Dortmund supporters join in honoring him. He is viewed as a significant contributor to German football, not just for Leverkusen, but in breaking Bayern’s dominance.
Despite the result not being what they desired, as noted by Jeremie Frimpong, it was still a fitting tribute to Alonso and what his team has accomplished since his arrival in October 2022. The first half displayed the team’s hallmark characteristics: creativity, intense pressure, and overall excellence. Frimpong’s goal, a powerful left-footed strike into the net, showcased his evolution under Alonso from a dynamic wing-back to a poised, impactful attacker.
Leverkusen’s complete dominance was evident, especially against a team that had only dropped two points in their previous six games (a draw against Bayern). They were repeatedly saved by the stellar performance of Gregor Kobel in goal, while Dortmund managed to lead at halftime. Julian Brandt, who scored the equalizer, acknowledged that their team benefited from luck, crediting their “killer instinct.” The second half saw Dortmund comfortably secure a win, with Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy adding goals to make it 4-1 before Hofmann’s late goal.
Dortmund now head into the final day with a clear shot at reclaiming a spot in the Champions League, a remarkable feat considering a challenging season. Yet, the key takeaway from their visit to BayArena was the recognition that creating a winning culture, like the one Alonso has built, is a significant achievement. For Leverkusen, it’s a collection of inspiring memories.
Talking Points
Bayern Munich celebrated energetically during their final home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, winning 2-0. Manuel Neuer’s return solidified their defense, while Harry Kane and Michael Olise found the net. Thomas Müller concluded his time at Bayern with a guard of honor, after which the squad headed to Ibiza for celebration.
In the race for Champions League spots, Dortmund knows that a two-goal win over relegated Holstein Kiel will secure their place, as Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg face off. Freiburg recently secured a comeback win that ensured Kiel’s relegation, while Frankfurt dropped points, complicating their quest for a guaranteed Champions League spot.
Leipzig’s goalless draw meant they can’t make the top four, marking a disappointing season. Sporting director Marcel Schäfer acknowledged the need for a major squad overhaul, while also noting the challenge of hiring a new coach without Champions League football. A potential upside is that the Red Bull Arena will host next year’s Conference League final, but qualifying for that remains uncertain.
Holstein Kiel and Bochum have confirmed their relegation, but Dieter Hecking will continue as Bochum’s coach. St Pauli celebrated their draw against Frankfurt, making them unlikely to drop into the playoff spot, while Heidenheim clinched a win to secure their position.
St Pauli recently edged closer to their fundraising targets and anticipates a top-flight derby against Hamburg, who have successfully returned to the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence. Despite a shaky start, they dominated Ulm with a 6-1 victory, and a win next week could secure their title ahead of second-placed Köln.
