A few weeks ago, it seemed that something had broken in the indestructible Bayer Leverkusen. But, after conquering the Allianz by beating Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the DFB POKAL, Xabi Alonso has confirmed that this team has ‘rehabilitated’ in time.
Xabi Alonso, greeting Vincent KompanyEFE
“It’s a very important night for us. Winning here against Bayern, who have been very strong this season, is special. We had to suffer. But we achieved our goal.”
Winning here against Bayern, who have been very strong this season, is special
Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen
Despite playing with one more for more than 70′, Leverkusen had to work for the victory by changing plans on the fly on several occasions. He began betting on a more reactive approach, was forced to take the initiative after Neuer’s expulsion and, after bringing on Patrik Schick at half-time, finished the match with a double lead of circumstances formed by Jeremie Frimpong and Nathan Tella who rose as an unexpected hero.
“In the last game here in Munich I had a chance in the last few minutes and couldn’t score, but today it turned out well. I learned something from Patrik (Schick) and Víctor (Boniface). I’m very happy,” the coach said after the game. versatile Nigerian player.
I have learned something from Patrik (Schick) and Víctor (Boniface)
Nathan Tella, Bayer Leverkusen player
A victory that further reinforces Xabi Alonso, who has not lost any Cup tie since his arrival in Germany and serves to maintain his particular undefeated record against Bayern after five direct confrontations. But, above the rest, he has finished clearing up the doubts that had flooded Bayer Leverkusen before the last break by stringing together four consecutive victories for the first time so far this season.
“I’m very proud of the team. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how you win. The main thing is to win. We’ve seen all of Bayern’s games. Normally, they ‘destroy’ their opponents. It’s not easy to survive here,” confessed Xabi Alonso.
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how you win. The main thing is to win
Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen
Along the same lines is captain Jonathan Tah, who had a tremendously solid game to leave Bayern ‘dry’. Something that, this season, only Emery’s Aston Villa had achieved in the Champions League: “It was not our best game with the ball. Even with one more man, we did not always do well. We were not effective enough. But, in general, We fulfilled our plan.”
At this point last year, they had only given up two draws in all competitions after 18 games, showing a level of ambition that is difficult to sustain. But, despite everything, they are six points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga, they are already in the quarterfinals of the POKAL and among the eight teams that qualify directly for the Champions League round of 16.
Obviously, it was unfair to demand that Xabi Alonso repeat the feat achieved a few months ago when they won the league and cup double. That is, the same titles as since his role in 1904. But this victory against Bayern Munich confirms that his Bayer Leverkusen team has been ‘rehabilitated’ in time to fight again for important things until the end of the season.
