A Perpetual Bridesmaid Will get the Crown, and Germany (Principally) Likes the Look

Six months in the past, the group’s charismatic coach, Xabi Alonso, 42, mentioned he would countenance the concept that his aspect may win the championship provided that it was nonetheless in competition in April. As it’s, it’d declare the title so early that it can’t rejoice it correctly: The season continues to be in full swing, and Leverkusen has not less than two extra trophies to chase.

Every time the title comes, the membership will maintain a low-key postgame celebration for the gamers and their households at its stadium, the BayArena. However it is not going to maintain the standard parade — at which its followers could have the possibility to salute the gamers — till Might 26, the day after the nation’s different main home competitors, the German cup, concludes. (Leverkusen is favored to win that one, too.)

Organizing that celebration has been one thing of a problem: Leverkusen, a small metropolis sandwiched between Cologne and Düsseldorf, doesn’t possess a civic constructing with a ceremonial balcony large enough to permit the group to greet its followers. (The membership has mentioned it has a number of choices in thoughts, although nothing has been determined.)

“We are going to adorn our metropolis in black and purple wherever we will,” town’s mayor, Uwe Richrath, mentioned in an announcement.