Xabi Alonso’s teaching journey with Bayer Leverkusen reached new heights as his crew secured the German Tremendous Cup.
The win which got here after a penalty shootout in opposition to Stuttgart, marked Alonso’s third trophy in simply 13 months on the membership, and Leverkusen’s fifth title ever.
Alonso’s aspect took the lead by Victor Boniface, however a pink card for Martin Terrier after 37 minutes left Leverkusen beneath strain.
Stuttgart capitalized on their numbers, taking a 2-1 lead, however Patrik Schick’s late equalizer compelled a penalty shootout, the place Leverkusen gained 4-3.
The most recent victory provides to Alonso’s earlier successes, together with the DFB-Pokal and a dominant Bundesliga title, the place they ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign.
With three trophies beneath his belt, Alonso is now accountable for greater than half of Leverkusen’s all-time silverware.
Leverkusen’s win additionally extends their unbeaten streak in German soccer to 53 video games, a run courting again to Could 2023.
The one dent in an in any other case good season was their Europa League remaining loss to Atalanta.
Reflecting on the Tremendous Cup victory, Alonso praised his crew saying: “What we did on the finish of the sport with 10 gamers and scoring the late equalizer confirmed our huge spirit.
“I’m actually blissful that we’ve began the season like this.”
Regardless of being linked with prime managerial positions throughout Europe, together with Bayern Munich and Actual Madrid, Alonso selected to proceed his journey with Leverkusen.
