Alonso delighted to preserve historic away run
Xabi Alonso expressed his delight with Bayer Leverkusen's second-half performance as it fought back to secure a 2-2 draw with Mainz, extending an impressive unbeaten away run.
The match at Mewa Arena was Alonso's final game in charge of Leverkusen, after his announcement that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
He is widely expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti and return to Real Madrid, where he enjoyed five fruitful years as a player.
The draw allowed Leverkusen to set a new Bundesliga record, remaining unbeaten in its 34th consecutive away league match.
Speaking after the match, Alonso expressed his pride at this achievement.
"We're happy to have gone two full seasons unbeaten away from home," the 43-year-old said.
"In the first half, I had my doubts about whether we would manage it, but the reaction we showed in the second half was very positive.
"Overall, we've had a good season, finishing second and having a strong [UEFA] Champions League campaign."
Leverkusen finishes as an admirable runner-up to Bayern Munich in the league this season, but despite its second-place finish, there is plenty of positivity to take from Alonso's tenure.
Under his guidance, Leverkusen went unbeaten last season to claim the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.
Its new record of 34 consecutive away matches unbeaten also usurps the record of 33 away matches without loss previously held by Bayern between 2012 and 2014.
Reflecting on his departure, Alonso admitted: "It's a pity we're not playing the cup final on Saturday [Sunday AEST]. That would have made this goodbye even more special."
The Spaniard was also quick to express his gratitude to the Leverkusen supporters, adding: "I want to thank all the fans, especially.
"The atmosphere during my farewell was truly amazing. You don't forget moments like this."
