Bayer Leverkusen came from a goal down to rescue a 2-2 draw away to Mainz on Saturday, handing departing coach Xabi Alonso another Bundesliga record.

Alonso, who took charge of his final game in charge of Leverkusen at the 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 their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 as well as the DFB-Pokal, with his final result also making Bundesliga history. 

Indeed, Leverkusen remained undefeated in their 34th consecutive Bundesliga away match on Saturday, a new record for a club in the competition's history.

Mainz were 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 were awarded a penalty of their own just after the hour when Arthur fouled Jae-Sung Lee, with Jonathan Burkardt stepping up to score from 12 yards. 

They 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 VAR review.

Data Debrief: Alonso's lasting legacy

Across Alonso's tenure, Leverkusen made a habit of being involved in late drama, though this time they were on the receiving end of some good luck to ensure they wrote themselves into the Bundesliga record books. 

Leverkusen have won 14 points from losing positions in the Bundesliga this season. No team has recovered more, though they have lost 20 points from winning positions in the top-flight this term, with only Stuttgart (23) having lost more.

Alonso leaves Leverkusen having taken charge of 140 matches across all competitions, winning 89 (D32 L19), with his team averaging 2.14 points per match. 

Schick also ended the campaign in fine form, with his brace taking him to 19 goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances, with only Harry Kane (26) scoring more in the competition this year.