Borussia Dortmund Thump Bayer Leverkusen To Spoil Xabi Alonso's Home Farewell

Borussia Dortmund romped to a 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday, spoiling Xabi Alonso's last match in the home dugout while boosting their Champions League hopes. The visitors came from one down as Jeremie Frimpong's early strike was cancelled out by goals from Julian Brandt, Julian Ryerson, Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy. Alonso, who took Leverkusen to a league and cup double last year in his first full season in charge, announced his impending departure from the club on Friday, with Real Madrid the Spaniard's likely destination.

Alonso told reporters his exit was "emotional and this club will stay in my heart forever", adding he would "forget the result from today pretty quickly".

Leverkusen's title defence fizzled out with a 2-2 draw at Freiburg last Sunday, but the home fans were in a celebratory mood, 12 months after Alonso took them to a first league title in their 120-year history.

Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, who is also leaving at season's end, was full of praise for Alonso.

"He's got a certain aura, he's a great coach and a great person. We can be thankful to him," said Tah.

Before the game, Leverkusen celebrated Alonso's time at the club as fans chanted 'Danke Xabi' and held up placards with pictures of the Basque coach, but Dortmund were in no mood to celebrate.

The hosts dominated the opening period, pinning Dortmund in their own half. Only some spectacular saves from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made seven stops before half-time alone, kept Leverkusen at bay.

Leverkusen's pressure finally told with 31 minutes gone when Florian Wirtz waltzed through the penalty area, attracted three defenders before laying the ball off to Frimpong who curled a shot into the top corner.

Dortmund roar