What is red and black and never wins the Bundesliga? Who was nicknamed Neverkusen for his inability to win the German championship title despite 5 second places and 6 third places? This is obviously Bayer Leverkusen, a club less successful than Wolfsburg, Cologne, Kaiserslautern, Nuremberg, Eintracht Brunswick or even 1860 Munich in the championship. Winner of only one German Cup (1993), Bayer Leverkusen nevertheless won a European Cup in 1988 with the UEFA Cup won against Espanyol Barcelona (3-3/3-2 in the Tab). But despite some successes and trophies, the absences of Bayer Leverkusen when it came to fruition left more of an impression. The 2001/2002 season is also the culmination of these failures.
May 2002, Leverkusen in hell
With a high-quality squad where we found the Brazilian Lucio, the Turkish Yıldıray Baştürk, the Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov on the bench as well as executives like Carsten Ramelow, Bernd Schneider, Oliver Neuville and especially Michael Ballack, Klaus’ team Toppmöller had everything to make history. Long at the top of the Bundesliga (13th – 19th day then 24th – 32nd day), Bayer Leverkusen found itself in trouble at the end of the season with only one point acquired out of nine possible between the 31st and 33rd day against Hamburg (1-1), Werder Bremen (1-2) and Nuremberg (0-1). This benefited Borussia Dortmund who would claim their sixth German championship title by one point. A scenario well known by Bayer Leverkusen which had failed by two points against Bayern Munich in 1997 and on goal difference against the Rekordmeister in 2000. A week after this hard blow in May 2002, it is the sworn enemy of Marsupials, Schalke 04 who were going to manhandle Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite the opening score from Dimitar Berbatov (27th), the Knappen scored 4 goals via Jörg Böhme (45th), Victor Agali (68th), Andreas Möller (71st) and Ebbe Sand (85th) while Ulf Kirsten reduced the score. gap (89th) in a 4-2 setback for Werkself. Two overused trophies and as the saying goes, never two without three. Against Real Madrid in the Champions League final, Bayer Leverkusen were quickly surprised by Raul (8th), but Lucio would quickly equalize (13th). A balanced duel followed until the stroke of genius from Zinedine Zidane (45th) following a cross from Roberto Carlos. The Merengues were going to win yet another title in the end, the ninth in their history when the German players left with their tails between their legs. For Hans-Jörg Butt, Michael Ballack, Carsten Ramelow, Bernd Schneider and Oliver Neuville, the nightmare will continue even during the summer with a new setback in the World Cup final with Germany against Brazil (2-0) . A golden period for Bayer Leverkusen which should have been one of consecration and which ended in disillusionment.
“Neverkusen” is over
Since then, Bayer Leverkusen has sometimes been involved in the title race, but has never been as close to winning as during this 2023/2024 season. Yet the Werkself has come a long way. Relegated following the appointment of by Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen started strong and embarked on a long series of invincibility. It’s mid-April and the Germans still haven’t lost yet. Sixteen points ahead of Bayern Munich and Stuttgart with six games remaining, the players of the North Rhine-Westphalia club are also qualified for the German Cup final against Kaiserslautern on May 25. . Engaged in the Europa League, the German team is quarter-finalist and won its first leg 2-0 against West Ham. They will travel to London on Thursday for the return match.
A possible hat-trick for Bayer Leverkusen like 22 years ago, but this time it is shaping up well. With 42 unbeaten matches this season, 37 wins and 5 draws, Xabi Alonso’s team has the counters panicking. The Germans have also scored 118 goals and conceded just 31. Figures and a situation which suggests a good end to the season for Bayer Leverkusen. If nothing is done in the Europa League, the German Cup final will take place against a team which is relegated to German D2. For the Bundesliga, only one victory will be enough and it can happen this Sunday against Werder Bremen. Close to breaking away from the nickname Neverkusen and his loser status, the Werkself presents himself with a conquering spirit. “The team is focused and committed. I’m confident and if we succeed there will be something to celebrate. But there are 90 minutes left to play to get this victory. You shouldn’t think too much about what happens next. Fortunately, it’s not our only match point. But it is obvious that we want to win on Sunday. It would be nice to celebrate a title at home with the supporters.”explained Xabi Alonso at a press conference before challenging Werder Bremen this Sunday.
Xabi Alonso the hero
Bringing pride back to a club, Xabi Alonso also did it to an entire city. “For many people outside Leverkusen, we previously represented only noise and traffic jams on the highways. It’s finish. Thanks to Xabi Alonso and his team, we are of course seen differently. The team embodies what our city is all about. A community where diversity is very important. We are not loud, but we are humble. And Xabi Alonso fits in wonderfully as a coach because he embodies these characteristics. I am very happy” Leverkusen Mayor Uwe Richrath told Bild. Winner of the 1988 Europa League with Bayer 04 as coach, Erich Ribbeck, sent a moving letter to Xabi Alonso published by Bild : “dear Xabi Alonso! Xabi, you are on the verge of historic success with your wonderful team and coaching team.
I am very happy that my former club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, will soon finally be able to celebrate its first German championship. We won the UEFA Cup in 1988, which made us famous in Europe at the time. This first title marked an important milestone in the history of Bayer 04. 36 years have passed since then. The world of football has long since changed completely. Football has become a different sport.”
“Leverkusen’s great desire to win their first championship remained throughout these years.
This league title in 2024 is certainly more valuable than our victory in the European Cup at the time. It’s an extraordinary achievement over an entire season, and I warmly congratulate you as a coach, but also the entire management of the club. No team deserves it more. Your performance makes me very happy and I think it is realistic to finish the season undefeated. But what makes me even happier is that you remain the coach of Leverkusen. In my time, it was common practice not to terminate a current contract. Xabi, you certainly had several options to leave Bayer 04 now. But you prefer to continue with your team. You are an unusual exception these days. You seem grounded to me, I like the way you interact with your fellow coaches. You are authentic. And I think it will be well received by your players as well. I wish you for your future that you continue your path with as much success. But I don’t doubt it.”admitted the 86-year-old man with emotion.
“Fernando Carro (president of Bayer editor’s note) recently said that history owes Bayer Leverkusen a championship and Atlético Madrid a Champions League, and that’s somewhat true. With the dominance and confidence with which Bayer plays matches, just like we used to with Bayern Munich in the very good years. It’s truly exceptional”, explained for his part the sports director of the German Federation Rudi Völler. While 2024 marks 120 years since the creation of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the club’s anniversary risks being celebrated with the title that Leverkusen has always lacked. Mocked for many years, Bayer Leverkusen will finally be able to puff out its chest thanks to its exceptional 2023/2024 season marked by the seal of Xabi Alonso, Florian Wirtz, Alex Grimaldo, Jonathan Tah and even Granit Xhaka. Neverkusen is no more, it will just be Leverkusen now.
