Bundesliga 2024-25: Dortmund spoils Alonso's Leverkusen farewell and boosts its Champions League hopes
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso's last home game in charge ended in a 4-2 drubbing by Borussia Dortmund that boosted the visitor's chances of Champions League qualification on Sunday.
Karim Adeyemi scored one goal and set up another for Dortmund to stay one point behind fourth-placed Freiburg with one round of the Bundesliga remaining.
Dortmund next plays relegated Holstein Kiel, while Freiburg plays Eintracht Frankfurt in the final round. The top four teams qualify for Europe's premier club competition.
Third-placed Frankfurt could clinch its place later Sunday with a win at home against St. Pauli, which was just two points above the relegation zone.
Alonso, who confirmed on Friday he'll be leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season, was honored for his impact at the club before kickoff, when defender Jonathan Tah also received tributes before he leaves.
Alonso's team dominated from the start with a host of chances only to be thwarted by Gregor Kobel in the Dortmund goal.
Alonso, who confirmed on Friday he'll be leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season, was honored for his impact at the club before kickoff. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Florian Wirtz set up Jeremie Frimpong to break the deadlock in the 31st, when the Dutch wing back ran to Alonso, leading to a team celebration around the departing coach.
But Julian Brandt replied two minutes later with Dortmund's first shot on goal after Adeyemi pulled the ball back.
Kobel pulled off great saves to deny Nathan Tella and then Wirtz, before Pascal Groß set up Julian Ryerson to score with Dortmund's second shot before the break.
Leverkusen missed more chances after it. Brandt sent Adeyemi through to make it 3-1 in the 73rd. Serhou Guirassy made sure of the win four minutes later, before Wirtz set up Jonas Hofmann's consolation in stoppage time.
Stuttgart hosted Augsburg later Sunday.
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