Xabi Alonso has reached a remarkable milestone by recording his 50th win as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, achieving this feat with a resounding 5-1 victory over Freiburg on December 16, 2024. This victory not only solidified his status as one of the top managers in Bundesliga history but also marked the most successful year for the club, as they amassed 80 points throughout 2024.
Alonso's tenure at Leverkusen has been characterized by impressive form since he took charge. The span of his 50 wins came from just 75 Bundesliga matches, positioning him as the second-fastest coach to reach this milestone behind Pep Guardiola, who achieved 50 victories from 61 games. His average of 2.23 points per game places him among the elite coaches who have managed at least 50 matches, only trailing Guardiola (2.52) and Hansi Flick (2.45).
Following their comfortable win against Freiburg, Alonso's team has displayed remarkable consistency, having won nine, drawn five, and lost only one of their opening 15 fixtures this season. This steady performance has helped the Werkself remain firmly embedded in the title race, currently sitting just four points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
During the recent match against Freiburg, Leverkusen showcased their attacking prowess early on. Alonso's charges were relentless, controlling the game and ensuring Freiburg struggled to mount any significant threats. The game was notable for its decisive scoring; Andreas Carvalho, who was on the bench, contributed to the team's dynamic approach, with Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka being instrumental throughout the match. With Wirtz making notable contributions, including scoring three goals in the previous fixture against Werder Bremen, he continues to solidify his position as one of Europe’s most exciting talents.
Last season proved to be Alonso's breakout year, culminating with Leverkusen winning the Bundesliga title. This championship was historic as it ended Bayern Munich's streak of 11 consecutive titles. Achieving this required toppling Bayern directly, which Alonso and his team accomplished with confidence. Leverkusen's 3-0 victory against Bayern on Matchday 21 of the 2023/24 season was significant not only for its tactical execution but also for its timing, as it meant they could gain momentum and confidence against their rivals.
The match encapsulated Alonso's strategic brilliance. Even without key player Victor Boniface due to injury, substitutes and tactical reshuffles did not deter the team's performance. Josip Stanišić, who filled Boniface's role, opened the scoring, proving Alonso's adeptness at maximizing his squad's depth. Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong contributed goals, edging Leverkusen closer to claiming their first title since 1990.
The win over Freiburg, which marked their latest successful campaign, was reflective of the team's growth under Alonso's leadership. Players were quick to acknowledge the collective effort, with Xhaka commenting, “We were very dominant on and off the ball, and it was completely deserved overall. A great finish to a great year. I'm over the moon to be here in Leverkusen.” This sentiment highlights the culture of teamwork and ambition Alonso has instilled since arriving at the club, replacing former coach Gerardo Seoane, who left the team struggling at 17th place upon his departure.
Alonso’s focus on high-intensity attacking football combined with defensive organization has transformed Leverkusen from also-rans to true title contenders. Their record includes multiple high-scoring games this season; including an exhilarating 4-3 win against Wolfsburg where they showcased not just resilience but the ability to maintain composure under pressure, coming from behind twice to clinch all three points.
Looking forward, Alonso's ambitions for 2025 are fortified by the club's current standing. He has set high targets for his team, ensuring they aim for both Bundesliga and European glory, as they continue to compete on multiple fronts, including the DFB Cup where they have progressed to the quarter-finals and are well-positioned within the UEFA Champions League. Alonso stated, “The whole team was on top of their game today, and this makes us feel good. We have great ambition to carry on battling for our targets and we want to achieve a lot together.”
With just one loss this season and the prospect of continued success, Bayer Leverkusen's supporters are hopeful for another fruitful campaign. Alonso’s unique impact has already positively reshaped the club, and with formidable talents like Wirtz leading the way, the future looks promising for the Werkself and their determined Spanish coach.
