Bayer Leverkusen staged a second-half comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against hosts Mainz on the final day of the Bundesliga season, ensuring outgoing coach Xabi Alonso claimed yet another record in his farewell match.
Alonso, who wraps up a remarkable two-and-a-half-year spell at Leverkusen, highlighted by an unbeaten domestic league and Cup double in the previous campaign, will join Real Madrid, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti who recently signed as the head coach of Brazil’s national team.
Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, has revealed that Xabi Alonso has already approved a move to Real Madrid, with the official confirmation expected shortly.
According to the journalist, Alonso’s appointment will be finalized once Real Madrid completes the departure formalities of current manager Carlo Ancelotti.
“Xabi Alonso has already given the green light to join Real Madrid, with the official announcement now only a ‘matter of short time,” he said
Although Leverkusen had to settle for a runners-up spot behind Bayern Munich, they etched their name into the history books by extending their unbeaten away run in the league to an impressive 34 games.
Mainz, chasing a European spot, took the lead in the 35th minute courtesy of Paul Nebel.
However, Leverkusen regrouped after the break, netting twice in quick succession through Patrik Schick in the 49th and 54th minutes to temporarily seize control.
The hosts responded with a penalty conversion by Jonathan Burkardt in the 63rd minute to level the tie.
In stoppage time, Mainz thought they had snatched victory when Stefan Bell poked the ball into the net, but his goal was disallowed for handball following an extended VAR review.
Despite the draw, Mainz secured sixth place on the table, earning a ticket to the UEFA Conference League.
