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Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has stressed the importance of staying calm and focused as his team prepares for their big clash against Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16.
Despite being relatively new to coaching at the highest level, Alonso’s vast experience as a player in Europe’s top competitions could be the deciding factor. The Spaniard, who has lifted the Champions League trophy with both Liverpool and Real Madrid, knows what it takes to win on the biggest stage.
Alonso’s resume includes a World Cup title with Spain in 2010 and consecutive European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, making him one of football’s most prolific midfielders.
Leverkusen’s strong record against Bayern under Alonso
Since taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022, Alonso has transformed the team into a formidable force. Under his leadership, Leverkusen have faced Bayern Munich six times without suffering a single defeat, securing three wins and three draws.
However, this will be the first time the two sides will face off in European competition, which brings a different level of pressure and excitement. Making the occasion even more special, this year’s Champions League final will be held at Bayern’s home ground, the Allianz Arena, making Leverkusen even more determined to make a statement.
Alonso: ‘Emotional control is important’
Leverkusen continued their impressive home form with a 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, leaving them eight points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race. But Alonso insists league form does not necessarily translate into success in Europe.
“The next game is always the most important. Playing Bayern in the Champions League will be a great challenge, and we have to be fully prepared,” Alonso said.
He also pointed to the emotional intensity of Champions League nights and explained that staying composed under pressure will be the key going forward.
“The Champions League is different. Emotions run high, and the atmosphere is very euphoric. It is important to maintain control. A few bad minutes can change everything.”
Lessons from past mistakes
Leverkusen have already learned tough lessons in this season’s Champions League. Against Atletico Madrid, they dominated for long periods, but eventually lost due to a lack of discipline and composure.
Similarly, in the match against Manchester City, Leverkusen went into halftime with a 1-0 lead against 10 men but lost control in the final moments, allowing Julian Alvarez to score the winning goal in the last minute.
Granit Xhaka, who has played a key role in the team since joining Arsenal, believes the team has emerged from these setbacks and is now ready to take on Bayern.
“We have shown that we can compete at the highest level. The most important thing is to stay stable and not get carried away. In the league, we still have a chance, but in the Champions League, we have the opportunity to make history.”
Can Leverkusen overcome Bayern on the European stage?
Bayern Munich have a rich history in the Champions League, having won the competition six times. In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen’s best performance to date was in 2002, when they finished runners-up to Real Madrid.
Despite this gap in European experience, Alonso’s side have already proven that they can compete with Bayern domestically, which could give them an edge in the upcoming encounter.
“We know Bayern very well, and we have faced them recently,” said Alonso. “In the Champions League, teams have to overcome difficult moments. It’s all about resilience and avoiding costly mistakes.”
“We will play the first leg at the Allianz Arena, then return home for the second leg. Bayern is the best team in Germany, but in football, the best team doesn’t always win. We’ll see what happens.”
With Alonso’s tactical expertise and Leverkusen’s growing confidence, this encounter promises to be one of the most exciting encounters of the Champions League knockout stage.
Conclusion
As Bayer Leverkusen prepares for their crucial Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich, Xabi Alonso’s leadership and tactical approach will be key. His team’s impressive unbeaten record against Bayern under his management gives them confidence, but the stakes are higher than ever on the European stage.
