A real pleasure to react to what was a truly historic day in German football. All things Leverkusen on tonight’s show:

• post-match reaction
• what the title means for Alonso
• what it means for Bayern
• what it means for German football

with Manuel Veth and Matt Ford

For the first time in 4,028 days, the champions of the Bundesliga aren’t Bayern Munich.

Some words from the Ultras Leverkusen in their fanzine “Reines Gewissen” (“clean conscience”) today on what the #Bundesliga title means to them.

History is made. A unique history.

Who are the men who have made it? What role do Bayer pharmaceuticals play? Why are Leverkusen exempt from 50+1? To what extent does that matter?

For the The Guardian this weekend:

theguardian.com/football/2024/…

👑 “King Xabi,” as he’s described on one fan’s banner, addresses his subjects.

#bundesliga

Over an hour after the final whistle, Leverkusen fans still out on the pitch and now the players appear on the balcony of a VIP box. Robert Andrich leads chants of “Leverkusen olé!”

#bundesliga

Xabi Alonso: “This title also belongs to my predecessors: Christoph Daum, Klaus Toppmöller, Roger Schmidt and many others. I’m proud to be part of Bayer Leverkusen history.”

#bundesliga

Bayer 04 Leverkusen can wrap up the #Bundesliga title today - but who exactly are they?

I’ve been speaking to figures at the club including CEO Fernando Carro, at Bayer pharmaceuticals, Leverkusen ultras and others.

In the The Guardian today:

theguardian.com/football/2024/…

Can’t confirm whether or not Victor Boniface has emptied that beer glass all by himself.

#bundesliga 🍺

History.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are German campions for the first ever time

Bayern Munich’s 11-year dominance of the #Bundesliga is broken by Xabi Alonso’s Werkself.

Florian Wirtz makes it 4-0 and celebrates by trying (in vain) to keep the fans off the pitch. #bundesliga

Banner on the Nordkurve:

“Deutscher Meister”

#bundesliga

3-0. Florian Wirtz screamer. And the paper cut-out #Bundesliga shields are out in force.

2-0 Leverkusen. A Granit Xhaka screamer. Predictably.

In previous years in Germany, the chant has usually been “the only German champions will be FCB.” Or, forlornly, “BVB.” Or, purely ironically, “FC Köln.”

Now it’s: “Deutscher Meister wird nur der SVB!” = SV Bayer.

HT: Leverkusen 1-0 Bremen

Boniface’s penalty has Leverkusen on course for the #Bundesliga title. Even after making 6 changes with the UEL in mind (Wirtz, Grimaldo, Frimpong, Palacios, Stanisic, Schick on bench), Xabi Alonso’s side swarming all over Bremen. Adli has hit the bar.

Die “Farbenstadt” Leverkusen

So called because Friedrich Bayer’s original factory here produced dyes 🎨

#bundesliga

Some words from the Ultras Leverkusen in their fanzine “Reines Gewissen” (“clean conscience”) today on what the #Bundesliga title means to them.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen can wrap up the #Bundesliga title today - but who exactly are they?

I’ve been speaking to figures at the club including CEO Fernando Carro, at Bayer pharmaceuticals, Leverkusen ultras and others.

In the The Guardian today:

theguardian.com/football/2024/…

🚨 NEW: Xabi Alonso & Bayer Leverkusen: Chasing History

⦿ Reasons behind Alonso staying
⦿ Summer signings boost title charge
⦿ Their record breaking unbeaten run

Matt Ford joins Phil Costa to discuss Die Werkself, who are pursuing a famous treble. 🇩🇪

podfollow.com/1737070477

This whole West Ham tie is a huge test for Leverkusen but they (eventually) passed part 1 with flying colours. Speaks volumes for the squad that Hofmann & Boniface got the goals off the bench on a night where Wirtz & co couldn’t find a way through. 2nd leg will be more open. #UEL