Leverkusen's damper in the Champions League: Alonso demands turn!
Leverkusen's damper in the Champions League: Alonso demands turn!
In the round of 16 of the Champions League on March 5, 2025, Bayer Leverkusen had to accept a painful defeat against Bavaria Munich. The course of the game not only revealed the shortcomings in the Leverkusen game concept, but also let coach Xabi Alonso look at the weak performance of his team.
Alonso, who reflected on the causes of the misalignment after the game with his assistant, was faced with a team that had had difficulties against Bavaria in the past. It was the seventh encounter between the two teams, and this time the Leverkusen's match plan clearly missed. Especially the waiver of striker Patrik Schick and the uncertainties of goalkeeper Matej Kovar led to a weak appearance.
weak performance of the leaders
In addition, it was noticed that experienced players such as Jonathan Tah and Granit Xhaka took no responsibility at the crucial moment. Overall, the team showed a lack of intensity, which was particularly punished in international competition. Through his body language and statements after the game, Alonso asked the team to learn from the defeat and to believe in themselves.Another aspect that put on the game was the lack of Lukas Hradecky, whose achievements were not flawless in the last games. These problems on the defensive ensured that Leverkusen was unable to set their own accents in the first half.
combative appearance of Bavaria
In the meantime, Bayern showed themselves in good shape, led by Joshua Kimmich, who was committed to the 35th minute of his opponent Florian Wirtz. Kimmich, used by coach Vincent Kompany as a man's deck, delivered a combative performance that put the pale appearance of Wirtz in the shadow. Leverkusen failed to fire the necessary fire in this key game.The situation also met for Bayern, since Manuel Neuer, the first -class goalkeeper, was missing due to injury. This could prove to be an advantage for Leverkusen in the second leg, provided that Alonso and his team use the experiences from this defeat and show an improved performance in the next game.
coach Xabi Alonso could also come to the conclusion that he should gain more experience before aiming to lead a global club. The second leg will be crucial to improve your own performance and to reorganize the course for the further course of the Champions League. A victory in the second leg would be important in order to develop self -confidence and show that the Leverkuseners are able to survive on the big European stage.
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