Topics: Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are the two protagonists which have been battling it out for the Bundesliga title in recent years - but this year Bayer Leverkusen are looking increasingly likely to be crowned German champions for the first time.
Bayern have won the last 11 Bundesliga titles in a row in an era of domestic domination in Germany, but that appears to be nearing an end following the form of Xabi Alonso's side this campaign.
Former Liverpool, Bayern and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso has masterminded a remarkable season for the North Rhine-Westphalia side which sees them top of the Bundesliga table by 11 points.
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It is no surprise the 42-year-old has emerged as a strong contender to take over at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp departs this summer.
What happens in the summer is still yet to be truly determined, but for now Alonso is fully focused on securing Leverkusen's first ever Bundesliga title, which would also be his first piece of silverware as a head coach.
They took another step to title glory last night with a 2-1 home victory over Mainz.
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka put Leverkusen ahead inside three minutes, but the visitors equalised not long after through Dominik Kohr.
Robert Andrich put the hosts back ahead in the second half, before Mainz were reduced to 10 men when Jessic Ngankam was sent off following a challenge on Xhaka.
And with the three points picked up, Leverkusen set a new Bundesliga record which is unlikely to be beaten for quite some time.
The victory means Alonso's side have now gone 33 Bundesliga games unbeaten, beating a record which Bayern had previously held.
After the win, Alonso insisted all that mattered was the three points. With 11 games remaining of their domestic season, Leverkusen are 11 points clear of Bayern in second, who take on RB Leipzig today at the Allianz Arena.
As per The Athletic, Alonso said: "It wasn’t our best game, but the three points are very important.
“We can enjoy the weekend and then we’ll move on. You cannot always play brilliantly.
“It was a very intense match. Mainz came with very good energy, which we had to respect. We were prepared for it, but it was not easy.”
