Xabi Alonso sets up opener for Bayern Munich in final game of career

By Dev Trehan

Image: Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso lift the Bundesliga trophy after their final game in club football

Xabi Alonso brought the curtain down on his glittering career in style with an assist in his final match as a professional footballer.

Alonso, club captain Philipp Lahm and reserve goalkeeper Tom Starke all started their last matches in club football as Bayern Munich closed the season with a 4-1 win against Freiburg at the Allianz Arena.

Image: Alonso, Tom Starke and Philipp Lahm were honoured before the game

It did not take Alonso long to make his impact on the game. Just four minutes into the match the Spaniard produced a trademark precision pass for the evergreen Arjen Robben to slot home Bayern's opener.

The midfielder was given a standing ovation when he was replaced by Franck Ribery eight minutes from time.

Image: Alonso celebrates with Arjen Robben after laying on the Dutchman for Bayern's opener

Alonso has spent the last three years at Bayern, winning the title in each of those seasons, as well as the German Cup and the German Super Cup in 2016.

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He came through the ranks at Real Sociedad before joining Liverpool in 2004, where his first season culminated in the miraculous Istanbul comeback against AC Milan that secured a Champions League trophy.

The 35-year-old also won an FA Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and a Community Shield with the Reds and was at Anfield until 2009, when he moved on to Real Madrid.

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Image: Alonso bids farewell as he leaves the pitch for the last time

More silverware, including a second Champions League and a La Liga title, came while he was at the Bernabeu.

He also won a World Cup and two European Championships while playing for Spain, for whom he won 114 caps and scored 16 goals.

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