“From undesirable to undeniable “. Bayer Leverkusen’s journey from being a factory team since 1904 to Bundesliga Champions is nothing short of a fairytale and echoes through the quote mentioned above.

Bayer Leverkusen’s title run for 2023 - 24 is the one that will be remembered for years to come. Their Bundesliga season saw them finishing with a staggering 28 wins and just 6 draws. Xabi Alonso has changed the ballgame for the entire footballing world to witness. His efforts have made Leverkusen achieve an "Invincible" Bundesliga season. They are the first team to achieve this in the Bundesliga and the 8th team overall to have achieved this feat. In this article, we will dive deep into Leverkusen's entire timeline, knowing their past and how they achieved their present

Read Also: The Invincibles: 8 times a football team won their league undefeated

The Origins

On 1st July 1904, Leverkusen was founded as a works team later in 1907 a separate football department was formed within the club. Leverkusen would qualify for upper leagues in 1962, just a year before Germany’s Bundesliga league was formed. By the 1980s Leverkusen was consistent in staying in the upper side of the Bundesliga league and successfully maintaining it till the 1990s.

1990’s saw the club’s greatest successes but that was only the start of the struggle for silverware which haunted them for two decades in the future. Leverkusen has a history of rising through the ashes of defeat. 1996 saw them facing a relegation battle but that brought an offensive-style approach to their play under coach Christoph Daum. But the frustrating times were yet to come.

"The Treble Horror "

1997-2002 saw the team earn second-place finishes four times in a row. In 2000, a draw with Spvgg Unterhaching would have helped them clinch their first Bundesliga but an own goal from Michael Ballack would make them wait for silverware with more years to come.

The season of 2002 has always been dubbed “The Treble Horror” where Leverkusen lost the DFB Pokal final to Schalke 04 (4-2) and lost the UEFA Champions League final to Real Madrid(2-1). This also led the English media to dub them “Neverkusen”. 

Leverkusen had history written all over them even in their defeats as in 2002, they were the first team to be a Champions League finalist without ever winning the national championship. The curse continued to haunt them as Germany’s National team lost the 2002 World Cup Final with five members from the Bayer Leverkusen team.

Read Also: Champions League Stats: Who scored the first goal of the UEFA Champions League era?

From Neverkusen to Bundesliga Champs: The Invincible Stats

When Xabi Alonso came in 2022, Bayer Leverkusen was in the 17th position in the table. Leverkusen needed the tactical mastery from the legendary player-turned-coach to reach the top of the table from that position. Alonso's points-per-game and goals-per-game were the best achieved by any coach in Bayer's history.

Leverkusen under Alonso's reign has conceded just 24 goals throughout the entire season creating another club record.

Alonso has a terrific win ratio this season at 68 percent with only three coaches (Pep Guardiola, Hansi Flick, and Carlo Ancelloti) above him having a better ratio in league history. However, the most interesting fact is that Alonso contributed to the win ratios of both Guardiola and Ancelotti when he played under them in Bayern Munich. 

Xabi's 3-4-2-1 formation with Bayer

Alonso's 3-4-2-1 style has created an atmosphere of dynamic possession play. This atmosphere has helped his players to do better than their capabilities and shatter individual records. 

The stats

Victor Boniface, signed by  Alonso on 22nd July 2023, has been the top scorer in the league with 14 goals. He was rewarded as Bundesliga Rookie of the season 2023-24. Boniface's body power has helped block his opponent's markers and his speed has helped him run behind defenders and finish with more prowess.

Boniface's playing style helped Wirtz to seep through subsequent gaps. This has helped Florian Wirtz to properly assist and go for goals whenever he had the opportunity. With 11 goals and 11 assists Florian Wirtz was the Bundesliga Player of the season.

Alejandro Grimaldo was pivotal as a left-back for Bayer Leverkusen. 10 goals and 13 assists he has won 214 tackles this season and completes 87.8 passes making him one of the most valuable defenders in the Bundesliga. Grimaldo's performance signifies calmness in Leverkusen's dynamic possession play. Grimaldo's ability to move through tight spaces has helped the team move the play from defence to attack very quickly yet seamlessly.

Like Grimaldo, right-back Jeremie Frimpong plays wide and high to maintain dynamic possession for the team. He stands 4th in both assists (7) and goals (9)for Leverkusen this season. He also ranks second in sprints (960) in this Bundesliga season. Frimpong's capability to isolate the opponent's defenders in 1v1 situations helps create open spaces for the forward line to move and score. Frimpong's skilled dribbling makes him unpredictable and his finishing efficiency makes him score goals in tougher situations. 

Granit Xhaka was the most important factor in implementing Bayer Leverkusen's playing style in Bundesliga 2023-24. Xabi Alonso's central lieutenant on the field Granit Xhaka has a 92.92% success rate in passing and a 55.27% success rate in completing tackles. He has been the best runner for Leverkusen covering a total distance of 351 kilometers. Like Alonso during his playing days, Xhaka likes to be at the forefront while facing the opponent's triangle of defense cover. Irrespective of being man-marked Xhaka has always completed his passes to his teammates. In fact, his capability to draw attention toward himself helps teammates to become free. This increases several options for him to pass and control the possession play.

These players have been instrumental to Alonso's success this year. Will their dominance continue through the seasons? Only time will tell.

See also: Pics: Bayern Leverkusen celebrate after winning the Bundesliga 2024 

New kings of German football?

Bayern Leverkusen were crowned Bundesliga champions by defeating Werden Bremen 5-0 ending Bayern Munich’s run of 11 successive league titles. This feels just the start as Alonso has extended his contract till 2026.

A Bundesliga and DFB Pokal for the first time in 100 years has indeed made this win special They did not win the treble but with a dual silverware season: Bayer Leverkusen has given the current fans a memory worth cherishing for a lifetime.

Hello and welcome to another weekend of exciting football. 

This is Barnali Debnath, and tonight, we will bring you all the LIVE updates, scores, news and free commentary of the Real Madrid vs Mallorca match in La Liga 2025/26 at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

Real Madrid are currently at number three on the points table and have won their first two games comfortably. Meantime, Mallorca lost to Barcelona in their first match and then drew against Celta Vigo.

So, sit back and relax as Real Madrid look to dominate the newly promoted club, while Mallorca look to make their stay at the league longer.

Enjoy the coverage.

Hello and welcome to Sportz Point's another LIVE blog. 

Tonight we have the Real Madrid vs Osasuna match in La Liga 2025/26 as the 36-time Spanish champions look for a perfect start to the season under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Real Madrid, last season's runners-up in the league, did not have a great season overall under Carlo Ancelotti and will look for a fresh start this season. 

Read Also: Mallorca vs FC Barcelona, La Liga 2025/26 Highlights: Barcelona win by 3-0 against 9-men Mallorca

In the meantime, Osasuna missed Champions League qualification despite finishing well last season. They will hope for a top-five finish this season, and doing well against a team like Real Madrid will do wonders for them.

This is Barnali Debnath, who will bring you all the LIVE updates of the match, including the build and post-match analysis. So, stay tuned and enjoy the coverage. 

Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.

This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible. 

Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."

1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days

For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.

South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.

This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.

They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.

Read Also: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

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2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days

For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.

The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sporting moments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.

The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

AAAAARRRRR CEEEEEEE BEEEEEE ❤🏆#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/lp3AwgCVQl

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days

Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.

Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!

4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days

Bologna's victory in the Italian Cup after 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.

Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.

5.  Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days

Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup. 

The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!

Read Also: Football teams with most international trophies

6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days

For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.

The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.

7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days

For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.

But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.

This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.

Read Also: 11 players who have won the most trophies in football history

This one’s coming home with me! 🏆

Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S

— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 17, 2025

8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days

2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.

The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.

After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.

A moment Tottenham fans will never forget 🏆#UELfinal | @SpursOfficial pic.twitter.com/ROFK5pRtDD

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 22, 2025

The Bundesliga is the top-division tournament in German football. The competition was founded in 1962, and the first season began in 1963. The Bundesliga replaced the German national championship, which was the first tournament in German football history. And since then only one club has dominated with most Bundesliga titles. 

The German national championship, which was founded in 1903 and ran for 60 years, was a knockout competition contested between winners of each of the country's top regional leagues.

The founding member teams of the Bundesliga are 1860 Munich, Cologne, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Braunschweig, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hertha Berlin, Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe, Preußen Münster, MSV Duisburg, Nuremberg, Saarbrücken, Schalke, Vfb Stuttgart and Werder Bremen.

Besides the Bundesliga, which operated in West Germany, the DDR-Oberliga was the top-level football league in Soviet-controlled East Germany. Following the reunification of Germany, the Bundesliga became the national league of the country.

The Bundesliga started as a 16-team tournament but would soon expand to 18 teams from 1965.

In a one-off event, the league played the 1991-92 season with 20 teams following the reunification, but would return to its 18-team format in the following campaign.

There have been 13 different winners of the Bundesliga since its inception in 1963.

Read Also: Messi vs Ronaldo: Most man of the match winners in football

Who won the first Bundesliga?

FC Koln, or FC Cologne in English, won the first-ever Bundesliga season in 1963-64. The Billy Goats maintained a six-point advantage over second-placed Meidericher SV (39) and scored in each of the 30 league games played in the inaugural edition. 

Karl-Heinz Thielen (16 goals) and Christian Müller (15 goals) finished as the top scorers for the team in the championship-winning season.

Who has won the most Bundesliga titles?

Bayern Munich lead the Bundesliga winners list with 34 titles. The Bavarians won their maiden Meisterschale in the 1968-69 season, with an eight-point cushion and legendary forward Gerd Muller contributing 30 goals. They are the most dominant German team and have won the most Bundesliga titles.

🏆 “Die Meisterschale ist zurück in München.“ 💬

Alle Stimmen zum Titelgewinn: https://t.co/f2Ej8hfnCs#MiaSanMeister pic.twitter.com/fnx5zGJzlE

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) May 4, 2025

The Bavarians recently claimed the Bundesliga 2024-25 title with two games to go in the season. In doing so, Bayern have now won the German championship a record 12 times in the last 13 seasons. Their incredible run began in 2012-13 under the management of Jupp Heynckes, which was broken in the 2023-24 season by Bayer Leverkusen.

Top Five Teams with the Most Bundesliga titles till 2023

1. Bayern Munich - 34 titles

Bayern Munich are at the top of the list as they are the all-time Bundesliga title winners with 34 titles to their name. They won the 2024-25 season with two games to go in the season.

Bayern Munich also holds the record for most second-place finishes in the top German league, having done that ten times between 1969 and 2012.

There is no doubt that they are the most dominant force in Germany and one of the most historic clubs in the history of World Football. The Bavarians have also won 20 DFB-Pokal trophies and 6 Champions League titles.

Titles by years: 1931-32 (German national championship), 1968-69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1979–80, 1980–81, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2004–05, 2005–06, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21,2021-22, 2022-23, 2024-25

2. Borussia Dortmund - 5 Titles

Borussia Dortmund, a 113-year-old German club, is second on the list of clubs with the most Bundesliga titles.

After Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund have won the most Bundesliga titles and have also finished second the most times in the German league.

In the pre-Bundesliga days, ‘die Schwarzgelben’ lifted three league titles – two more than Bayern.

There has always been a soft spot for Dortmund in every football fan's heart, except the fans of Bayern.

In the 2022-23 season, they were the favourites to win the titles but bottled it on the last day. Dortmund won their last Bundesliga title under Jurgen Klopp in the 2011-12 season.

Titles by years: 1994–1995; 1995–1996; 2001–2002; 2010–11; and 2011–12

3. Borussia Monchengladbach - 5 Titles

Borussia Mönchengladbach holds the third place on the list, and they have won the same number of Bundesliga titles as Borussia Dortmund.

They have finished second less as compared to Dortmund, and that's the reason why they are placed third.

Three of their five Bundesliga championships were consecutive. They won their last league title in the 1976-77 season under Udo Lattek. Monchengladbach have only ever been demoted to the Bundesliga 2 twice, in 1999 and 2007. 

Titles by years: 1969–70, 1970–71, 1974–75, 1975–76, and 1976–77

4. Werder Bremen - 4 Titles

Werder Bremen have finished second seven times in the Bundesliga and have won 4 titles.

They won their last league title in the 2003-04 season under Thomas Schaaf with 74 points, and he is the longest-serving manager (14 years) of Bremen.

They share the record for most seasons played in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

Titles by years: 1964–65, 1987–88, 1992–93, 2003–04

5. Hamburger SV - 3 Titles

Hamburger SV comes fifth in this list with 3 Bundesliga titles to their name.

Their last league title came in the 1982-83 season under Ernst Happel, who won his second title with the club.

HSV have the record in German football of having won the most regional titles, having won 31 regional titles. But the regional titles do not count as a trophy or even as a title itself.

Until the 2017–18 season, HSV were the only club to have played continuously in the Bundesliga since its foundation.

Titles by years: 1978–79, 1981–82, and 1982–83

Read Also: Players with the most Champions League titles

Most Bundesliga titles list:

European football has gifted us numerous memorable moments and matches this season, and we can expect more to come in the upcoming months.

The top five European Leagues – Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1 have different title chase scenarios as the leagues are entering the final lap, leading the clubs to their fate in the 2024-25 season.

England, Germany, and France have witnessed a one-sided battle for the league title this season, except for Spain and Italy, where the champions might be decided even in the closing matchday this season.

In this article, we will examine the league table scenarios, possible equations for the league leaders to secure the title, and the contention for the continental competitions such as UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for next season.

Premier League 

Liverpool are currently atop the Premier League 2024-25 table, having bagged 73 points in 30 matches. The Reds are edging closer to the title as Arsenal, the second-placed side, dropped points against Everton in a 1-1 stalemate yesterday.

Liverpool have a chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Fulham this evening, which will see them going 14 points ahead of the Gunners.

The Mikel Arteta-led side has earned 62 points in 31 games so far. As of now, Liverpool only need 11 points from their last eight games to secure the Premier League title for the 20th time in their history.

Liverpool are just four wins away from being crowned Premier League champions.

If it plays out like that, they could win the title at Anfield vs. Spurs then receive guard of honours from both Chelsea and Arsenal 🤯 pic.twitter.com/MVDmpDzRhi

— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) April 5, 2025

Nottingham Forest have been a surprise entrant for a top-four finish in the Premier League, charging for a UEFA Champions League berth next season. The Forest are now third with 57 points in 31 games – five points clear of the fourth-placed Chelsea.

Fifth-placed Manchester City (51 points in 30 games) and Aston Villa (51 points in 31 games), now sixth, will throw a tough challenge for the Champions League and Europa League berth, whereas seventh-placed Newcastle United (50 points in 29 games) might surpass City and Villa in the race.

Premier League 2024-25 Table

LaLiga

The title race in LaLiga 2024-25 has intensified dramatically after the league leaders FC Barcelona and nearest challengers Real Madrid dropped points in the same day yesterday. Los Blancos faced a shocking 1-2 defeat against Valencia at home, whereas Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at home.

Barcelona are currently atop the table with 67 points in 30 matches, four points clear of Real Madrid with 63 points in the same number of games. The title race might go down to the last matchday as these two teams will meet in the fierce El Clasico, scheduled for May 11th, which could decide the potential champions. 

Despite failing to take full advantage of Real Madrid’s slip-up, Barcelona remain 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙑𝙔 𝙁𝘼𝙑𝙊𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙀𝙎 to win the LALIGA title - according to @OptaAnalyst 📊📈 pic.twitter.com/uUQ5lu6uir

— 433 (@433) April 6, 2025

Fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao (53 points in 29 games) are already five points ahead of Real Betis, now fifth (48 points in 30 games) with one game in hand. Sixth-placed Villareal (47 points in 28 games) could pose a challenge for both of them for UCL and UEL qualification, with two games in hand to match Betis' tally.

LaLiga 2024-25 Table

Serie A

Serie A 2024-25 might witness one of the greatest showdowns in the title charge in the league's history, as league leaders Inter Milan dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Parma last night.

Defending champions Inter Milan are currently topping the table with 68 points across 31 games, having played one game more than second-placed Napoli, who have accumulated 64 points in 30 games. If Napoli ends this week with a win, the gap between these two teams will be just one, leading the teams to walk the wire in the final matchdays.

🚨 After Inter’s draw vs Parma today, the Serie A title race is wide open!

Napoli and Inter are neck and neck — and with only a few games left, neither side can afford to drop points.

Every match now feels like a final. Who will hold their nerve?#Inter #Napoli #SerieA… pic.twitter.com/tyRpVx9lWI

— GlobalFootballX (@MorckIsak) April 5, 2025

The pressure to finish in the top four have also intensified in Italy. With Inter and Napoli confirmed to finish in the top four, third-placed Atalanta (58 points in 30 games), fourth-placed Bologna (56 points in 30 games), fifth-placed Juventus (55 points in 30 games), and sixth-placed AS Roma (52 points in 30 games) will battle it out for the last two UCL berths.

Serie A 2024-25 Table

Bundesliga

As of now, only six points separate league leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, though Bayern might attain the Bundesliga 2024-25 title and a first trophy for Harry Kane – if they manage to accumulate 13 from the 18 points available.

Bayern Munich are now ahead with 68 points in 28 games, whereas reigning Champions Bayer Leverkusen have managed 62 in the same number of matches, practically confirming their participation in next season's Champions League.

However, the race for two other UCL berths will draw Eintracht Frankfurt (third, 48 points in 28 games), FSV Mainz (fourth, 46 points in 28 games), RB Leipzig (fifth, 45 points in 28 games), and Borussia Monchengladbach (sixth, 43 points in 27 games) into a battle, looking for places in continental competitions.

Bundesliga 2024-25 Table

Ligue 1

Paris Saint-Germain have claimed the 2024-25 Ligue 1 title after beating Angers 1-0 last night, ensuring their fourth successive title with 74 points in 28 games. The Luis Enrique-managed side have been crowned champions with six matches remaining and are now 24 points ahead of the second-placed AS Monaco (50 points in 28 matches). 

PSG have clinched another milestone, winning the league title without losing a single game so far, and with six matches remaining, they will look to embrace the 'invincible' tag by ending the season without a single defeat.

If Les Parisiens complete an unbeaten league season, they will join a special group of clubs from Europe's top five leagues that have achieved this feat. This group includes Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, Juventus in 2012, Arsenal in 2004, AC Milan in 1992, Perugia in 1979, and Preston North End in 1889.

However, the race to qualify for next season's UCL will go down to the wire between six teams who are differentiated by only four points – AS Monaco (50), Olympique de Marseille (49), Olympique Lyonnais (48), OGC Nice (47), Lille OSC (47), and RC Strasbourg (46).

Ligue 1 2024-25 Table

(*all stats are accurate as of the time of publishing this article.)