Alonso proud but already looking ahead to Europe
Xabi Alonso said it will take time for Bayer Leverkusen's undefeated run to its maiden Bundesliga to sink in after a 2-1 win at home to Augsburg completed a remarkable league campaign.
Long derided as 'Neverkusen' for its failure to win a major title for decades, Leverkusen became the first team in Bundesliga history to complete a full season without defeat.
Across the top five European leagues, only Arsenal (2003-2004) and Juventus (2011-2012) have achieved an invincible season since the start of the millenium.
Leverkusen hailed the achievement by giving itself a new nickname on its social media channel - "Bayer 04 Neverlusen".
"It is an exceptional season, not only in Germany but in Europe," Alonso said after the celebrations on the field.
"We deserve now to be part of that history of European football. In 20 years, we will look back, and we will say 'we did that'.
"It is an important day for the club. We have to be proud of the way we played. 90 points and undefeated. We need a bit more time to value this title. The first Bundesliga title but a big Bundesliga title victory."
Alonso's team also stretched its European record unbeaten run across all competitions this season to 51 matches as it looks to complete a unique treble next week.
Leverkusen faces Atalanta on Thursday (AEST) in the UEFA Europa League final before taking on Kaiserslautern in the DFB-Pokal final on 26 May (AEST).
"I believe it [the unbeaten title win], but I need more time. But we have no time because we have the next big goal [on Thursday AEST]. It is unique opportunity," Alonso added.
"We will remember this day. It is a special day to have the league trophy here and having done it undefeated. This team has now been engraved in Bundesliga history."
