Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Soccer is the fairest sport of all — in theory.

When Lamine Yamal was born, Rihanna’s “Umbrella” was the No. 1 song in America and, basically, the world. Pau Cubarsí was all of 6 months old at the time.

Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen, who came back in remarkable fashion to overcome Qarabag in the round of 16 with two stoppage-time goals, are to face West Ham.

The win was massive for the Bundesliga leaders on two fronts: extending their unbeaten record this season to 37 matches and booking a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals with a 5-4 aggregate victory.

Bayern Munich may be off the Bundesliga’s championship pace, but that didn’t stop them from putting on a show against Mainz. And the Women’s FA Cup saw any hope Liverpool had of a cup semifinal extinguished by Leicester City.

Leverkusen are set to break Bayern Munich’s 11-year-monopoly over the Bundesliga title this season under Alonso’s stewardship. The 3-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Sunday was their 21st win of the season and saw them maintain their 10-point lead at the top of the table.

If the European soccer season ended today, there would be only one repeat champion among Europe’s top seven leagues. Liverpool lead annual Premier League champions Manchester City by a point — conveniently, the two teams play this Sunday. Bayer Leverkusen, unbeaten in all competitions, lead 11-time defending Bundesliga champs Bayern Munich by a jarring 10 points with 10 matches to go.

The summer transfer window is still a way from reopening in Europe, but there are plenty...

The summer transfer window is still some time from reopening in Europe, but there are plenty...

The Spanish coach has a contract with Leverkusen until 2026, and his team are top of the Bundesliga, eight points clear of champions Bayern, who on Wednesday said they would part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.