Alonso: Just 5 bad minutes are enough for Bayern Munich to eliminate us. 2025

 Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, recently shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated upcoming clash between his team and Bayern Munich, set to take place next Wednesday at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. This match marks a crucial point in Leverkusen's journey in Europe’s top-tier competition, where they will look to make a significant impact against one of the most formidable teams in European football.

Alonso acknowledged the challenge his team faces but expressed confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. He stated, in an interview with "Sky Germany": "It will be an incredibly difficult match, and a big test for us. However, we are currently in a good moment, and we want to show once again that we are capable of going toe-to-toe with Bayern Munich." The Spanish manager highlighted the importance of this fixture, emphasizing that his team is ready to rise to the occasion and demonstrate their strength, particularly in such high-stakes games.

At the same time, Alonso was quick to underline the distinct nature of the Champions League compared to domestic league competitions, especially the Bundesliga. "We understand that the Champions League is a completely different competition compared to the German league," he noted. "The Champions League tends to be more emotional and intense, and the emotional control required will be crucial. Just a few minutes of poor play can end your European campaign." This observation reflects the importance of composure and focus, especially when playing against a powerhouse like Bayern Munich, where a single mistake could prove costly.

Alonso's record against Bayern Munich has been impressive so far, with Bayer Leverkusen not having lost a match to the Bavarian giants since he took over as coach. In the current season, the two sides have met twice in the Bundesliga, with both games ending in draws. However, in the DFB Cup Round of 16, Leverkusen triumphed over Bayern Munich in a memorable match at the Allianz Arena, adding an extra layer of confidence to their preparations ahead of the Champions League clash. This form against Bayern could give Leverkusen the belief they need to pull off another surprise in the upcoming European encounter.

As the two teams prepare to meet again for the return leg at BayArena on March 11, all eyes will be on Leverkusen to see if they can take a positive result into the second leg and potentially book their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.