Football

In a thrilling Bundesliga encounter, Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious with a dramatic 4-3 win over Wolfsburg, while Borussia Dortmund suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat at Stuttgart.Leverkusen and Wolfsburg traded blows throughout the match, with the score locked at 3-3 from the 48th minute. However, Wolfsburg's Yannick Gerhardt was sent off in the dying stages, leaving his team vulnerable. Victor Boniface, who had come on as a substitute, capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a stoppage-time winner to secure a crucial victory for Leverkusen.Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka expressed dissatisfaction with the performance, calling it "a giant wake-up call." He emphasized the need for improvement in defense, stating, "We can't keep going with performances like that. We can't defend so naively."Despite the win, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso made significant changes to the lineup that had thrashed Feyenoord in the Champions League. Nordi Mukiele, on loan from PSG, had a nightmare debut, scoring an own goal in the fifth minute. Florian Wirtz equalized for Leverkusen, but Wolfsburg's Sebastiaan Bornauw and Mattias Svanberg put the visitors back in the lead. Piero Hincapie leveled the score again for Leverkusen on 48 minutes.In the late game, RB Leipzig were held to a 0-0 draw at promoted St Pauli. Leipzig's goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi, kept St Pauli at bay in the first half, but the hosts held on for a point in the second half.Meanwhile, Stuttgart soared to a dominant 5-1 victory over Dortmund. Deniz Undav scored a brace, while Ermedin Demirovic, Enzo Millot, and El Bilal Toure also found the net. Dortmund, who had raided Stuttgart for players in the summer, were outclassed and disappointed.Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin admitted that Stuttgart's win was "absolutely deserved" and vowed to improve their performance in their next match.

Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen kicked off their title defense with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach in a dramatic season opener. The match was filled with twists and turns, with Leverkusen ultimately snatching the win in the 11th minute of stoppage time.Leverkusen dominated the first half, with Granit Xhaka opening the scoring with a stunning long-range effort in the 13th minute. Florian Wirtz doubled their lead in the 38th minute, giving Xabi Alonso's side a comfortable advantage at the break.However, Gladbach fought back in the second half. Nico Elvedi pulled one back in the 59th minute, and newcomer Tim Kleindienst equalized with just five minutes remaining. The hosts looked set to secure a point, but a late penalty awarded to Leverkusen changed the course of the game.Wirtz stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his initial effort was saved by Jonas Omlin. However, the Germany international was quick to react and hammered the rebound into the net, securing a dramatic victory for Leverkusen.The win was a testament to Leverkusen's resilience and determination. Despite conceding two goals in the second half, they refused to give up and ultimately found a way to win. Xhaka praised his team's "pure mentality" after the match, highlighting their ability to bounce back from setbacks.Leverkusen's victory was also notable for being the latest goal in Bundesliga history. Wirtz's strike came in the 10th minute of stoppage time, surpassing the previous record set by Bayern Munich in 2014.The result leaves Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga standings after the first round of matches. Gladbach, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have lost after fighting back from two goals down, but they will take heart from their second-half performance.

Bayer Leverkusen's remarkable Bundesliga and cup double last season has not swayed coach Xabi Alonso's belief that Bayern Munich remain the title favorites this season."For me, the favorites are Bayern, that's clear," Alonso declared at a press conference ahead of Leverkusen's Bundesliga season opener at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. "Our goal is to stay in the top four. That's realistic -- we have a good squad."Leverkusen's historic triumph last season, which ended Bayern's 11-year reign in Germany, was a testament to their resilience and tactical acumen. However, Alonso is keen to emphasize that past achievements are no guarantee of future success."Last year was really nice... but we're starting from scratch again," he said. "We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that we need good performances."Bayern, under new coach Vincent Kompany, have bolstered their squad with several high-profile signings, including Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito. Leverkusen, on the other hand, have maintained a relatively stable roster, with the exception of the departure of Moussa Diaby to Manchester United.Despite their impressive unbeaten run in Germany since May 2023, Alonso is wary of the challenges that lie ahead. "We know every game will be difficult -- and that will be the case against Gladbach," he said.Leverkusen's title-winning campaign was built on a solid defense and a potent attack led by Patrik Schick and Florian Wirtz. However, they will face a stern test against a Gladbach side that has strengthened its squad with the addition of Marcus Thuram from Borussia Monchengladbach.Alonso will be without Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios for the trip to Gladbach due to a knee injury. However, the rest of his squad is available for selection as Leverkusen aim to start the new season with a positive result.

Bayer Leverkusen's talismanic midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has set his sights on another Bundesliga title challenge in the upcoming season, following the club's historic undefeated triumph last year.Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen from Arsenal at the start of last season, played a pivotal role in the club's remarkable campaign. Despite being a rookie coach, Xabi Alonso led Leverkusen to an unprecedented Bundesliga title, becoming the first German team to achieve the feat without a single defeat. They also lifted the German Cup, losing only one of their 53 matches in all competitions.Speaking to AFP at the club's pre-season training camp, Xhaka expressed his belief that last season was just the beginning. "We know people are hoping to beat us, they will try and they will do everything," he said. "But we still have the hunger to be where we were last season."Xhaka's resurgence at Leverkusen has been remarkable, especially considering the criticism he faced during his time at Arsenal. He believes that the criticism has been instrumental in his growth as a player. "I'm a fan of criticism, because criticism makes you stronger," he said. "I don't drop my head, but I look at what they are criticizing, and maybe I need to do something more, or change some things."Xhaka's leadership qualities have also been evident at Leverkusen, where he has quickly become Alonso's on-field voice. He is eager to guide the club's younger players, many of whom are yet to experience the Champions League. "Maybe they're nervous. You can go to them, talk to them and explain it to them, but this feeling, you need to feel it," he said. "You need to see the music, the atmosphere (and) what it is in these games."With his contract at Leverkusen set to expire in four years, Xhaka is already looking ahead to the future. He has started his FA coaching badges and is also an assistant coach at fifth-tier Union Nettetal. "The traineeship helped me a lot, because a coach maybe thinks more far ahead than a player (does)," he said.Xhaka's unwavering belief in himself and his team is a testament to his determination to succeed. As Leverkusen embark on a new season, they will undoubtedly look to Xhaka for inspiration and guidance as they aim to defend their Bundesliga title and make a mark in the Champions League.

Ten-man Bayer Leverkusen emerged victorious in the season-opening German Super Cup, defeating Stuttgart 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 90 minutes that ended 3-3. The match marked the first time Leverkusen had lifted the trophy.Victor Boniface opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 11th minute, but Stuttgart's Enzo Millot equalized just four minutes later. Leverkusen's hopes were dealt a blow shortly before halftime when Martin Terrier was sent off for a dangerous tackle, leaving them with 10 men.Stuttgart took advantage of their numerical superiority in the second half, with Deniz Undav giving them the lead. However, Patrik Schick's goal with two minutes remaining sent the match to penalties.In the shootout, Bayern Munich loanee Frans Kraetzig and Silas Mvumpa missed from the spot for Stuttgart, while Leverkusen converted all of their penalties.Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso praised his team's "huge spirit" and determination, particularly in the final 10-15 minutes when they were down a man. He expressed satisfaction with the team's start to the season and their renewed spirit.Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness acknowledged that the match was a positive sign for his team, who had undergone significant upheaval during the summer. He noted that the performance demonstrated that they were "going in the right direction."The German Super Cup, which traditionally pits the Bundesliga champions against the Cup winners or league runners-up, was played without either Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund for the first time since 1993.

Bayer Leverkusen capped off a remarkable season by securing the German Cup, defeating second-division Kaiserslautern 1-0 in a hard-fought final in Berlin. The victory marks the club's second trophy of the campaign, having already clinched the Bundesliga title in April.Granit Xhaka's stunning long-range strike in the 16th minute proved to be the decisive moment. However, Leverkusen's triumph was overshadowed by the dismissal of Odilon Kossounou late in the first half, leaving them to battle with 10 men for the remainder of the match.Despite their numerical disadvantage, Leverkusen displayed resilience and determination, holding on to their slender lead. Kaiserslautern, who were aiming to become the first non-top-flight club to lift the Cup since 1992, pushed hard for an equalizer but lacked the cutting edge to break down Leverkusen's resolute defense.Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised his team's spirit and fighting qualities. "To win like that at the end, we showed our team spirit. We fought hard, we did it for everyone, the fans, the club," he said.Alonso also received plaudits from his opposing coach, Friedhelm Funkel, who was managing his final game before retiring. "To go through the Bundesliga season unbeaten, it's madness. That he could flick that switch in his first year, is incredible. I think he'll win many, many titles."Leverkusen's triumph is a testament to their impressive season, which saw them go unbeaten in the Bundesliga and reach the final of the Europa League. The German Cup victory doubles the club's trophy tally in their history, having previously won the competition in 1993 and the UEFA Cup in 1988.

Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off their first loss in nearly a year, face second-division Kaiserslautern in Saturday's German Cup final. The Bundesliga champions were thoroughly outclassed in a 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the Europa League final on Wednesday, their first defeat in any competition since May 2023.Leverkusen's unbeaten run, which broke a 59-year-old record set by Benfica in 1965, was bound to end sometime. However, it was the manner in which they capitulated that will concern manager Xabi Alonso the most. The Germans were outmuscled by a determined Atalanta, with key players Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka having off nights.Winger Jonas Hofmann summed up the club's struggles, lamenting "many mistakes, individual mistakes, bad passes and simple technical errors." He said the performance was "not Bayer-like."Despite the disappointment, beating Kaiserslautern would make Leverkusen just the sixth side in German football history to do the double. Alonso urged his side to "transform our pain into positive energy."Kaiserslautern, despite their run to the final, only played one top-division side in the Cup, beating relegated Cologne. However, striker Ragnar Ache believes Leverkusen's vulnerability after Wednesday's loss could play into their hands."They have a very big squad with high quality players, and they're used to it," Ache said. "But it's still not going to be easy for us. We have to look at ourselves and what we are going to do."Leverkusen will be hoping to make amends for their Europa League disappointment, while Kaiserslautern will be looking to pull off a major upset. The final promises to be a fascinating clash between a wounded giant and a determined underdog.

Atalanta's remarkable journey culminated in a historic triumph as they shattered Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten streak and claimed the Europa League title with a resounding 3-0 victory. Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero, etching his name in the annals of European football with a stunning hat-trick.Lookman's first goal, a clinical finish in the 12th minute, set the tone for Atalanta's dominance. The Nigerian forward, who has found a new lease of life in Bergamo, displayed his predatory instincts, capitalizing on Exequiel Palacios's lapse in concentration.Leverkusen, known for their late fightbacks, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Their slow start proved costly, and Lookman's second goal, a nutmeg on Granit Xhaka followed by a powerful shot, left them reeling.Xabi Alonso's decision to start without a recognized striker backfired, and the introduction of Victor Boniface at half-time failed to spark a revival. Atalanta's defense, marshaled by Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti, held firm, while their counter-attacking threat remained potent.Lookman completed his hat-trick with another moment of brilliance, skipping past Edmond Tapsoba and unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal sealed Atalanta's triumph and sent their fans into raptures.For Atalanta, this victory represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. The club, long overshadowed by AC and Inter Milan, has finally achieved continental glory, proving that financial might is not the only path to success.Leverkusen's unbeaten run, which had stretched to 51 matches, came to an abrupt end. Despite their disappointment, they can take solace in their remarkable season, which saw them secure a first-ever Bundesliga title.

Bayer Leverkusen's pursuit of an unprecedented treble received a significant boost with the return of talismanic midfielder Florian Wirtz to full fitness ahead of Wednesday's Europa League final against Atalanta.Wirtz, a pivotal figure in Leverkusen's maiden Bundesliga title triumph, has been carefully managed in recent weeks by coach Xabi Alonso, who has prioritized his star player's health for this crucial encounter. Despite playing through a muscle injury, Wirtz has remained influential, scoring a hat-trick off the bench in Leverkusen's 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen that clinched the league title.In the subsequent two league matches, Wirtz provided late equalizers against Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart, extending Leverkusen's unbeaten streak. Alonso recognizes Wirtz's exceptional talent, describing him as the club's "only true superstar."At just 21 years old, Wirtz has already amassed 18 goals and 20 assists this season. His performances have drawn comparisons to Ballon d'Or winners, with some German media suggesting he could be a contender this year if Germany performs well at the Euros.Alonso has taken calculated risks with Wirtz despite his injury, bringing him off the bench in the second leg of Leverkusen's Europa League semi-final against Roma. The hosts scored a crucial goal shortly after Wirtz's introduction, extending their unbeaten run to 49 games and breaking a 59-year-old European record."He couldn't run well, he was limping, but he wanted to help the team," Alonso said after the match. "He's still a pretty good player when he's 70 percent fit, but he still needs a bit more time."Wirtz missed the next two league games but returned on Saturday, with Alonso stating that he "feels much better... (and) could play from the start."Leverkusen, who have won only the 1988 Europa League and the 1993 German Cup in their 120-year history, are now on the cusp of an unbeaten treble. They face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday.Atalanta, who lost the Coppa Italia final to Juventus on Wednesday, will be desperate to end their trophy drought. However, they face a Leverkusen side that has shown remarkable resilience and a knack for scoring late goals.Leverkusen have scored 15 goals after the 90-minute mark this season, often snatching victory or a draw from the jaws of defeat. Their relentless ball movement and late surges have proven too much for opponents to handle.In the Europa League knockout rounds, 11 of Leverkusen's 12 goals have come after the 70-minute mark. Alonso remains optimistic about his team's chances, saying after Saturday's win over Augsburg, "With this atmosphere, with this energy, there are reasons to be optimistic -- and to believe."