Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen move 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga thanks to a HOWLER from Mainz’s goalkeeper…as Bayern Munich plot to replace Thomas Tuchel with the runaway leader’s in-demand manager

Bayer Leverkusen’s march to a historic maiden Bundesliga title continued after a hard-fought 2-1 win at home to Mainz. 

In-demand Xabi Alonso saw his side take an early lead after former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka scored with a stunning arching shot on the edge of the area. 

However, the home side were quickly pegged back in the seventh minute when Dominik Kohr headed past Lukas Hradecky. 

That set up a nervy second period after Leverkusen had squandered a series of golden opportunities to retake the lead. 

But just after the hour mark their dominance was rewarded from Robert Andrich’s speculative strike from range. The midfielder’s shot looked a routine save for Robin Zentner, who had impressed on the night. 

Unfortunately for the visitors, the ball squirm out of the arms of the goalkeeper before looping into the net. 

The victory saw Alonso’s team move a staggering 11 points clear of Bayern Munich in standings. It also marked 33 games unbeaten in all competitions this season – a new record for a German club.