Alonso wants one more record with Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso wants to leave the club on a high, by setting a German league record 34 away games without defeat as the season ends this weekend.
Leverkusen travels to Mainz for its final match of the season, which will also be Alonso's final game in charge after two and a half years with the club.
He led Leverkusen to an historic league and cup double last season, going unbeaten in the Bundesliga on the way to the title, while he also took it to the UEFA Europa League final, losing eventually to Atalanta.
Leverkusen is guaranteed to finish second behind Bayern Munich in the league this season, but it can beat Bayern's record by avoiding defeat at Mainz.
"Yes, in terms of football goals, for sure," Alonso said when asked about the potential unbeaten record. "It is very, very meaningful if we reach it.
"To have two whole seasons without an away defeat is special but it is not going to be easy. But we want to try until the last day.
"We had enough time to say farewell so we want to end with a good feeling for all."
The former Spain international is widely expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, with the Italian becoming head coach of the Brazil national team ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
But despite the links, Alonso was unwilling to comment on where he would be going after leaving Leverkusen and wanted to finish the season before discussing it.
"I think that it is good to finish things properly and there is a right time for everything," he said.
