Bayer Leverkusen fought back from a goal down to earn a 2-2 draw against Mainz 05 in their final Bundesliga match of the season on Saturday, May 17, 2025, ensuring departing coach Xabi Alonso a remarkable league record of completing two full seasons without an away defeat.
Alonso, who is set to leave Leverkusen after a highly successful two-and-a-half-year tenure that included an unbeaten domestic league and cup double last season, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. His team extended their unbeaten streak on the road to 34 consecutive league games.
Leverkusen, who finished the season as runners-up to champions Bayern Munich, found themselves trailing when Paul Nebel put European hopefuls Mainz ahead in the 35th minute.
However, the visitors responded strongly after the halftime break. Patrik Schick scored twice in quick succession, finding the net in the 49th and 54th minutes, to give Leverkusen the lead. Mainz managed to draw level when Jonathan Burkardt converted a penalty in the 63rd minute.
The hosts appeared to have snatched a dramatic late winner in stoppage time when Stefan Bell scored, but the goal was subsequently disallowed for a handball following a lengthy VAR review, preserving Leverkusen’s record.
Despite the draw, Mainz 05 secured a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga, earning them a spot in next season’s UEFA Conference League. For Bayer Leverkusen, the result capped another strong campaign and provided a fitting statistical tribute to their departing coach’s impact.
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