Leverkusen Extends Bundesliga Lead To 11 Points and Sets German 33-Game Unbeaten Record

Granit Xhaka scores first goal for Bayer Leverkusen in 2-1 win, setting German record; coach Xabi Alonso focused amid speculation.

Granit Xhaka scored his first goal for Bayer Leverkusen as the Bundesliga leader defeated Mainz 2-1 on Friday, setting a German record of 33 games unbeaten across all competitions. This victory extended Leverkusen's lead to 11 points ahead of second-place Bayern Munich, who were set to play Leipzig the following day. With eleven rounds remaining in the season, Leverkusen's impressive performance has positioned them as genuine title contenders.

Xhaka expressed the team's deserving position at the top of the Bundesliga, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that has led them to their current standing. The speculation surrounding the future of Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has been a topic of discussion, with clubs like Bayern and Liverpool seeking new coaches for the upcoming season. However, Alonso has remained focused on the task at hand, dismissing the rumors and emphasizing the team's current position and his commitment to the club.

The fans also had reason to celebrate following the German soccer league's decision to scrap its plan to bring in an outside investor for a share of media rights income. This was reflected in a banner displayed by supporters at the match, stating "Football belongs to the fans." The early goal scored by Xhaka further fueled the excitement among fans, as the Swiss midfielder found the back of the net with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area.

Despite Mainz's equalizer, Leverkusen continued to dominate possession and showed urgency in their attacks. The frustrations grew as the home team struggled to break through, with several contentious moments leading to bookings for both players and the coach. However, Leverkusen's persistence paid off when Robert Andrich's shot, which appeared harmless, found its way into the back of the net.

Alonso acknowledged that the team could have played better but emphasized the normalcy of such fluctuations in a season. Despite the challenges faced, the win against Mainz further solidified Leverkusen's position at the top of the Bundesliga, showcasing their resilience and determination to maintain their unbeaten streak.

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