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Bayer Leverkusen

In 2023-24 Bayer Leverkusen secured the first Bundesliga title in club history, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year run. They completed the double by winning their second German Cup after 1993.

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Erik ten Hag looking exasperated on the touchline

Erik ten Hag looking exasperated on the touchline

Bundesliga: Leverkusen sack coach ten Hag after two games

Ex-Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Bayer Leverkusen after only 62 days in charge and one loss.

Bayern Munuch players link arms over each others shoulders as the celebrate in a line

Bayern Munuch players link arms over each others shoulders as the celebrate in a line

Bayern Munich send message with Bundesliga at crossroads

A new broadcast rights deal with content creators threatens to pit the country's fan culture against a new type of fan.

Harry Kane dribbling the ball for Bayern Munich

Harry Kane dribbling the ball for Bayern Munich

Bundesliga: What you need to know for 2025-26

A new Bundesliga season means new stars and teams. What hasn't changed is that Bayern Munich are the favorites.

Florian Wirtz claps his hands in celebration against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Florian Wirtz claps his hands in celebration against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Florian Wirtz moves from Leverkusen to Liverpool

Florian Wirtz is leaving Bayer Leverkusen for English champions Liverpool, a next step in an already remarkable career.

Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah

Germany defender Jonathan Tah's Ivory Coast connection

The 29-year-old spoke to DW about his career and his special connection to his father's homeland.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag

Bayer Leverkusen appoint Erik ten Hag as head coach

Dutchman Erik ten Hag is promising to deliver "dominant, attractive football" to Bayer Leverkusen's fans.

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso

Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso confirmed as new Real Madrid coach

The former midfield star returns after leading Bayer Leverkusen to a historic domestic treble.

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso confirms Bayer Leverkusen departure

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has confirmed what may have been the worst kept secret in the Bundesliga.

Bayern Munich players celebrating

Bayern Munich players celebrating

How Bayern Munich won back the Bundesliga

Germany's perennial football champions have added a 33rd Bundesliga title. But who and what made it happen?

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso to swap Bayer Leverkusen for Real Madrid?

After two and a half very successful years in Germany, Xabi Alonso looks set to return to his native Spain.

Arminia Bielefeld goalscorer Maximilian Grosser celebrates with teammates

Arminia Bielefeld goalscorer Maximilian Grosser celebrates with teammates

Arminia Bielefeld beat Bayer Leverkusen to reach cup final

Arminia Bielefeld have become only the fourth ever third-division club to reach the German Cup final.

Jamal Musiala dribbles the ball away from Florian Wirtz

Jamal Musiala dribbles the ball away from Florian Wirtz

Champions League pits Jamal Musiala against Florian Wirtz

The focus is on Bayern's and Bayer's young stars. Bayern commanded the first leg – as Musiala got the edge on Wirtz.

UEFA Champions League trophy

UEFA Champions League trophy

Champions League: Bayern to face Leverkusen in R16

The Champions League round of 16 is to feature both an all-German matchup and a Madrid derby.

Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala celebrate a goal

Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala celebrate a goal

Germany: Jamal Musiala plus Florian Wirtz = 'Wusiala'

Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz have played a big part in the revival of Germany’s men’s national football team.

Patrik Schick holds up the Supercup alongside celebrating teammates

Patrik Schick holds up the Supercup alongside celebrating teammates

Leverkusen embark on new season with wind in their sails

The double winners of one season ago enter the new campaign as one of the favorites for the Bundesliga title.

Florian Wirtz running with the ball for Germanz

Florian Wirtz running with the ball for Germanz

Germany's Florian Wirtz ready to shine at Euro 2024

Florian Wirtz is ready to shine for Germany at Euro 2024. But what makes the Leverkusen star so good?

Bayer Leverkusen players lift the DFB trophy

Bayer Leverkusen players lift the DFB trophy

How great is Leverkusen's double-winning season?

After winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup without losing, where does Leverkusen's season rank in football history?

Baye Leverkusen lift the trophy amid falling confetti

Baye Leverkusen lift the trophy amid falling confetti

Bayer Leverkusen beats Kaiserslautern in German Cup final

An early strike from Leverkusen's Granit Xhaka secured victory against second-division Kaiserslautern.

Xabi Alonso after the Europa League final

Xabi Alonso after the Europa League final

Atalanta flip script to end Leverkusen's unbeaten season

After 51 games, and more than a year, Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten run was ended in the Europa League final.

Ademola Lookman runs away in delight

Ademola Lookman runs away in delight

Atalanta beats Bayer Leverkusen to win Europa League

Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick as Atalanta won the Europa League for the first time in their history.

Bayer Leverkusen players and staff link arms to celebrate a win

Bayer Leverkusen players and staff link arms to celebrate a win

How Bayer Leverkusen went unbeaten in the Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen have become the first side to go unbeaten for a whole season in the German top flight. Here's how.

Linton Maina of 1.FC Köln looks dejected after the team's defeat and relegation from the Bundesliga during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Köln at Voith-Arena on May 18, 2024 in Heidenheim, Germany.

Linton Maina of 1.FC Köln looks dejected after the team's defeat and relegation from the Bundesliga during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 and 1. FC Köln at Voith-Arena on May 18, 2024 in Heidenheim, Germany.

Bundesliga: Cologne relegated on last matchday of season

Cologne collapsed early in Heidenheim, losing 4-1 and sealing their fate in the process.

Leverkusen's Robert Andrich celebrates after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League

Leverkusen's Robert Andrich celebrates after scoring their side's second goal of the game during the UEFA Europa League

Europa League: Bayer Leverkusen beat Roma 2-0 in Italy

The Bundesliga champs, going for an undefeated season, took a major step towards the final in the first leg.

Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate, holding the Bundesliga trophy aloft, after Sunday's 5-0 win over Werder Bremen, which also mathematically secured them the league title. Leverkusen, April 14, 2024.

Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate, holding the Bundesliga trophy aloft, after Sunday's 5-0 win over Werder Bremen, which also mathematically secured them the league title. Leverkusen, April 14, 2024.

Bayer Leverkusen win 1st ever Bundesliga title

They are "Neverkusen" no more. Bayer Leverkusen have sealed the Bundesliga title, ending Bayern Munich's hegemony.

Leverkusen's fans on the pitch after Sunday's win over Werder Bremen, celebrating sealing the Bundesliga title. Leverkusen, Germany, April 14, 2024.

Leverkusen's fans on the pitch after Sunday's win over Werder Bremen, celebrating sealing the Bundesliga title. Leverkusen, Germany, April 14, 2024.

Bayer Leverkusen: From infamous runners-up to champions

Dubbed "Neverkusen" for so long, their story had previously been one of heartbreak and intermittent Cup success.

Florian Wirtz celebrates a goal, and a title for Bayer Leverkusen

Florian Wirtz celebrates a goal, and a title for Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen win first Bundesliga title

For the first time since 2012, the Bundesliga has a new champion: Bayer Leverkusen. And in record-breaking fashion.

A man in a white t-shirt gesticulates in front of a crowd of soccer supporters

A man in a white t-shirt gesticulates in front of a crowd of soccer supporters

Xabi Alonso: The makings of rapid success

Xabi Alonso has been a top coach for less than two years, but is already regarded as one of the best in the business.

Xabi Alonso clapping in front of Leverkusen's team bench area

Xabi Alonso clapping in front of Leverkusen's team bench area

On Leicester, Leverkusen and handling unexpected title races

Bayer Leverkusen remain top of the Bundesliga table with 13 matches left. How do they make the most of this opportunity?

Victor Boniface in action for Leverkusen

Victor Boniface in action for Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen's AFCON headache risks wider fallout

When the Africa Cup of Nations starts in January, the Bundesliga pacesetters will be without several key players.

Jose Mourinho clenches his fist

Jose Mourinho clenches his fist

Mourinho frustrates Alonso as Leverkusen exit Europa League

Bayer Leverkusen dominated possession, territory and chances but could not find a way past Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Exequiel Palacios celebrates a goal for Bayer Leverkusen

Exequiel Palacios celebrates a goal for Bayer Leverkusen

Bayern Munich pay penalty at Leverkusen ahead of Klassiker

Leverkusen became the third side to beat Bayern Munich in the league this term as the champions slumped to a 2-1 loss.

A crowd of football fans with their hands in the air

A crowd of football fans with their hands in the air

Bayer Leverkusen aims to curb sexual harassment during games

Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen are looking to combat the problem by linking up with a local initiative.

Kommentarbild von Andreas Sten-Ziemons

Kommentarbild von Andreas Sten-Ziemons

Opinion: Rudi Völler is not the reformer Germany needs

Andreas Sten-Ziemons

Rudi Völler is Germany’s new sporting director. He's no visionary and no reformer, says DW's Andreas Sten-Ziemons.

Bayer Leverkusen - FC Porto

Bayer Leverkusen - FC Porto

Xabi Alonso looks the right fit for Leverkusen

Leverkusen might have lost to Porto, but Xabi Alonso's style of play looks a good fit for the Bundesliga side.

Xabi Alonso looking cool

Xabi Alonso looking cool

Xabi Alonso replaces Gerardo Seoane as Leverkusen head coach

Leverkusen's loss to Porto cost Gerardo Seoane his job. Now comes Xabi Alonso's chance.

Milena Nikolic, of Bosnia, shakes hand with an Italian opponent before a match

Milena Nikolic, of Bosnia, shakes hand with an Italian opponent before a match

World Cup playoffs: Bosnia break new ground

Milena Nikolic's goals have taken Bosnia-Herzegovina to the brink of World Cup 2023. She told DW of her high hopes.

Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko celebrate the game's only goal against Bayer Leverkusen

Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko celebrate the game's only goal against Bayer Leverkusen

Dortmund tempering great expectations

Expectations are always sky-high for Borussia Dortmund, but club and fans are trying to keep their feet on the ground.

Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund saves against Patrik Schick Baye

Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund saves against Patrik Schick Baye

Dortmund get nervy win over Bayer Leverkusen

Borussia Dortmund had goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to thank as they held on to beat Bayer Leverkusen.

Christian Streich gestures during the Bundesliga game between Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen

Christian Streich gestures during the Bundesliga game between Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen

Pride in Freiburg outweighs Champions League disappointment

RB Leipzig dealt Freiburg a pre-Cup final blow by securing the final Champions League spot.

Patrik Schick celebrates his first goal

Patrik Schick celebrates his first goal

Leverkusen strategy pays off with Champions League return

Leverkusen will return to the Champions League after three years. The latest win further highlighted the club strategy.

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby celebrate a goal together.

Leverkusen's Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby celebrate a goal together.

Bundesliga race tilts away from Leipzig

This double Monday-nighter saw Leverkusen end it with a tighter grip on a top four place — but RB Leipzig crashed.

Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai celebrate

Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai celebrate

Nkunku again offers spark as RB tighten grip

Christopher Nkunku came off the bench to lay on Dominik Szoboszlai's goal in RB Leipzig's 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

1. FC Köln - Borussia Dortmund

1. FC Köln - Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund drop points as relegation battle heats up

Leverkusen and Leipzig have staked claims for a top-four finish, while Stuttgart are leading the fight for survival.

Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz

Wirtz out for the season after ACL injury

One of Germany's brightest talents will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury on Sunday.

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Moussa Diaby sprinting into the spotlight

Moussa Diaby is lighting it up in the Bundesliga this season. Will he also star for France at the World Cup?

Thomas Müller on his knees during Bayern Munich's 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga

Thomas Müller on his knees during Bayern Munich's 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga

Leverkusen expose Bayern's soft underbelly

Bayer Leverkusen left the Allianz Arena with a point when they could — and should — have taken all three.

Marco Reus covers his face after Dortmund concede against Leverkusen

Marco Reus covers his face after Dortmund concede against Leverkusen

Dortmund ignore warnings as Leverkusen riot

One of the Bundesliga's most consistently entertaining fixtures produced plenty of goals but Dortmund fail to learn.

Moussa Diaby

Moussa Diaby

Diaby crashes Pepi party as Leverkusen march on

A hat trick from Moussa Diaby showed that Augsburg were no match for Leverkusen, despite new signing Ricardo Pepi.

Fußball Bundesliga | RB Leipzig - Bayer Leverkusen

Fußball Bundesliga | RB Leipzig - Bayer Leverkusen

Virus-decimated RB Leipzig beaten by Bayer Leverkusen

Coronavirus absentees took their toll as Leipzig's disappointing season continued with defeat to Leverkusen.

Florian Kohfeldt celebrates during his debut as Wolfsburg head coach

Florian Kohfeldt celebrates during his debut as Wolfsburg head coach

Why Florian Kohfeldt is an astute gamble

Months after being sacked by Werder Bremen, Florian Kohfeldt celebrated a win on his coaching debut with Wolfsburg.