Tissues Over Tactics – Leverkusen Says Goodbye to Two Hearts of the Club

Let’s be honest: the 2–4 against Dortmund? Nobody in Leverkusen will remember the score. What we will remember is the lump in our throats, the scarves held high, and the moment Xabi Alonso stood on the advertising boards, waving goodbye. This wasn’t just the final home match of the season. It was the farewell of two pillars, two icons, two heartbreakers: Xabi Alonso and Jonathan Tah.

Sure, there was a football match. Frimpong scored a beauty, we created chances galore, and the BayArena was buzzing early on. But Dortmund, in all their calculated efficiency, punished every mistake with the precision of a Swiss tax accountant. Kobel turned into a brick wall, and we found ourselves down 1–4 before Hofmann added a little late gloss. But honestly? The game was just background noise to the real drama.

Let’s start with Xabi. Oh Xabi. The man who strolled into Leverkusen with the poise of a Bond villain and the tactical brain of a chess grandmaster. He didn’t just coach this team – he transformed it. From a club known for almosts and not quites to one that played with elegance, courage, and a newfound identity. In two and a half years, he made us believe – not just in results, but in style. And now he’s probably heading off to Real Madrid, where he’ll sip espresso in the sun and win trophies with the same calm he used to defuse press conferences. And though we’ll miss him terribly, we can’t help but be proud. He made us dream. He made us proud to be Bayer.

And then there's Jonathan Tah. Our rock. Our ever-present giant. 400 games, countless headers, blocks, and moments of silent leadership. He was never loud, never flashy – just always there. Through ups and downs, through changes and chaos, Tah was our constant. When he wore the armband for the final time at home, it wasn’t just a nod to his status – it was a thank-you note from the entire club. The kind of player who didn’t just represent Leverkusen – he was Leverkusen.

Yes, we also said goodbye to a few loanees – Buendía, Mukiele, Hermoso – each of whom gave us moments of joy and value. But the spotlight belonged to Xabi and Jona. And rightly so. They weren’t just part of this team – they defined it.

As the final whistle blew, there were no boos, no frustration. Just applause. Long, loud, heartfelt applause. Alonso climbed into the fan block, waved, clapped back – and even he looked like he was holding something back. Tah stood quietly, soaking it all in. The scoreboard said 2–4, but nobody cared. Because we weren’t watching football. We were witnessing a farewell. A moment. A memory.

Next week, the season wraps up in Mainz. But emotionally? This was the finale. And even though it hurts to see them go, there’s comfort in knowing we had them at all.

Thank you, Xabi. Thank you, Jonny. If you ever feel like coming home – you know where the fridge is, and we’ve still got tissues left.