MUNICH HELD AT BAY BY ALONSO’S TITLE KINGS

XABI ALONSO admitted his Bayer Leverkusen side have overcome expectations as they sealed a maiden Bundesliga title in style.

Florian Wirtz’s hat-trick wrapped up a comfortable 5-0 win over Werder Bremen as Leverkusen extended this season’s unbeaten streak to 43 matches – and ended Bayern Munich’s run of 11 successive league titles in the process.

Alonso (above, celebrating) said: “This year, we started from scratch, taking many right decisions and building a great team.

“The club were really supportive.

“We had from the beginning, a feeling that it could be a good season.

“But we have overcome expectations, and to win with five games to go and the way we have played, it’s unbelievable.”

Leverkusen’s success means that any trophy hopes for Bayern Munich’s star striker Harry Kane now rest on the Champions League.

Bayern take on Arsenal in the second leg of their quarter-final this week after a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, while Leverkusen are 2-0 up against West Ham in their Europa League clash.

But Leverkusen were in a party mood yesterday evening with beers flowing in the changing room.

“It feels great because this is not just for us, this is for so many people that have been chasing this dream for so many years,” Alonso added.

“It’s so great to bring success and to be part of the success with the team is always special when it’s the first time.

“The first is the most difficult title probably, it feels great and I’m so happy to enjoy it with the players, the fans, the club, and so many people who deserve to really, really enjoy the moment.”

Former Gunners midfielder Granit Xhaka (inset), who scored in the thrashing over Werder Bremen, beamed: “It’s very difficult to find the right words. We did something this year that is more than special.

“This focus, this mentality, this hunger to win every game is unbelievable. We have wrote history today. It makes me proud to be part of this team.”