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Xabi Alonso wants Bayer Leverkusen to grasp their “first chance” to claim a maiden Bundesliga title but insisted he is not attaching any extra significance to the visit of Werder Bremen.
Victory for Leverkusen on Sunday would guarantee the club’s first top-flight title in their 120-year history although they would be crowned champions if Bayern Munich and Stuttgart both lose on Saturday.
With five rounds of fixtures to go after this weekend, Leverkusen have plenty of opportunities to make club history in a season where they have stitched together a 42-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
4⃣2⃣ unbeaten!
Capturing the imagination across the galaxy #Bayer04 #Werkself pic.twitter.com/L2wJt4OXlM
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) April 12, 2024
But while Alonso is keeping the same mantra he has had throughout the campaign, the Spaniard would take some comfort in Leverkusen sealing the crown at the first attempt.
“Obviously there’s this special aspect to the game on Sunday,” Alonso told a press conference.
“We have the chance to be champions. But we’re only focusing on the game itself and want to play with our usual quality and mentality. We don’t want to think too much about eventualities.
“We’ll prepare normally for the game. Luckily, it’s not the only chance we have to be champions. But we’re playing at home and want to take our first chance.
“We’ll approach the game with full respect, because nothing is a given. Our heads are now on Bremen. We’re in a good situation and are focusing fully on Sunday.”
A 25th victory in 29 league games in this campaign will likely lead to an outpouring of celebration from fans at the BayArena and a possible pitch invasion.
“The most important thing is that the fans can celebrate properly,” Alonso said when asked about the prospect.
“They deserve that. But we still have a few games left to play on this pitch. We need the pitch still.”
