Alonso claims record in final Leverkusen match
Bayer Leverkusen came from a goal down to rescue a 2-2 draw away to Mainz, handing departing coach Xabi Alonso another Bundesliga record.
Alonso, who took charge of his final game in charge of Leverkusen at MEWA ARENA, announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
The Spaniard is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, bringing the curtain down on a sensational two-and-a-half-year spell with Leverkusen.
Alonso led the club to its first Bundesliga title in 2023-2024 as well as the DFB-Pokal, with his final result also making Bundesliga history.
Leverkusen remained undefeated in its 34th consecutive Bundesliga away match, a new record for any club in the competition.
Mainz was ahead in the 35th minute when Paul Nebel collected Nadiem Amiri's pass before squeezing the ball past Lukas Hradecky at his near post via a deflection.
But Leverkusen restored parity four minutes after the restart when Andreas Hanche-Olsen tangled with Patrik Schick inside the Mainz penalty area.
Schick dusted himself down to send Robin Zentner the wrong way from the penalty spot before grabbing his brace five minutes later with another well-taken finish.
However, Mainz was awarded a penalty of its own just after the hour when Arthur fouled Jae-Sung Lee, with Jonathan Burkardt stepping up to score from 12 yards.
It almost spoilt Leverkusen's record when Stefan Bell stabbed in what looked like the winner in stoppage-time, but his effort was ruled out for handball after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
