Bayer Leverkusen faces a 3-0 deficit in their Champions League tie against Bayern Munich and has also lost star player Florian Wirtz to an ankle injury. Despite this, Xabi Alonso remains confident that his team will deliver a surprise on Tuesday.
Bayer Leverkusen's position in the Champions League may seem hopeless, but Xabi Alonso gave off no such impression during his press conference on Monday.
Despite trailing 3-0 against Bayern Munich and losing star player Florian Wirtz to an ankle injury, Alonso remained optimistic about his team's chances. His words carried not only belief but also a call to action, urging his players to embrace the challenge ahead. "This is a great opportunity to show that we are a complete team and that we can win even without Flo," said the coach. "We want to reach the quarter-finals so that Flo can still play in the Champions League this season. This is a great challenge for us."
Leverkusen’s uphill battle is undeniable. Few teams have ever managed to overturn a three-goal deficit in the Champions League knockout rounds, and facing a club of Bayern Munich’s stature only makes the task more daunting. The Bavarian giants have consistently been among Europe’s elite, boasting a squad filled with world-class talent and experience. However, Alonso fully acknowledges that Bayern holds the advantage to progress, but he sees the difficulty of the situation as an opportunity rather than a burden. "But it’s in these tough situations that you can do something incredible," said the Spaniard with determination. "We are in a position where we have nothing to lose only Bayern has something to lose. We have to play with that idea in mind. Unexpected things happen in football all the time, and it could happen again tomorrow."
The Spanish coach is no stranger to historic comebacks. As a player, he was at the heart of one of the most famous turnarounds in football history, when Liverpool overcame a 3-0 halftime deficit against AC Milan to win the 2005 Champions League final. However, Alonso preferred not to dwell on the past, instead pointing to more recent experiences as proof that his team is capable of defying the odds. "I am thinking about last season when we won the league without losing a single match. That is even harder than the challenge we have now. The players know that, and they feel that too. That is important."
Leverkusen’s remarkable Bundesliga campaign last season demonstrated their resilience, tactical discipline, and ability to fight through adversity. Alonso has instilled a winning mentality in his squad, and his side has shown time and again that they can compete with the best. However, the timing of their latest setback could not have been worse. Their final test before this monumental clash did not go as planned, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Werder Bremen over the weekend. The match not only dented their momentum but also saw them lose Wirtz, their creative heartbeat, to injury. The young German star sustained ligament damage in his ankle and is expected to be sidelined for "several weeks," though the club remains hopeful that he will return before the end of the season.
Wirtz's absence is a significant blow. The attacking midfielder has been instrumental in Leverkusen’s success, dictating play with his vision, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability. Without him, Alonso will need to make tactical adjustments to ensure his side remains dangerous in attack. Players like Granit Xhaka and Jeremie Frimpong will have to step up, while Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick will likely be relied upon to provide the cutting edge in front of goal. Leverkusen will also need their defensive unit to be at its absolute best, as keeping Bayern at bay will be just as important as scoring goals.
Now, all eyes turn to Tuesday night’s clash, as Bayer Leverkusen faces Bayern Munich in the second leg at 21:00. The magnitude of the challenge cannot be understated, but Alonso and his players refuse to accept defeat before the game is played. They know that a perfect performance is required defensive solidity, attacking efficiency, and above all, unwavering belief. The coach's words have set the tone: Leverkusen is not going to Munich to merely participate; they are going with the intention of making history.
Football has produced some of the most unlikely comebacks over the years, and Alonso's side hopes to add another chapter to that list. They understand that Bayern will be confident, expecting to finish the job comfortably, but that very expectation could work in Leverkusen's favor. "We have to be brave," Alonso stated. "We have to trust ourselves and fight for every ball. If we do that, anything is possible." His message is clear: the battle is far from over, and Leverkusen is ready to fight until the very end.
