Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday may have ended their seven-game winning streak, but Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso insists it holds no significance for their German Cup round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Alonso, speaking at a pre-match press conference, emphasized the unique challenges of facing Bayern at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga.
Despite observing Bayern’s hard-fought comeback in Dortmund, he expects a far tougher contest in Munich. “For me, it is a different game. Playing in Munich is always special. Tomorrow is like a final for us,” he said, acknowledging the monumental task that awaits his team.
Bayern, under the guidance of new coach Vincent Kompany, have regained their formidable form, sitting atop the Bundesliga with a four-point cushion and finding rhythm in the Champions League after a shaky start. Leverkusen, though third in the league standings and seven points behind Bayern, remain determined to seize their Cup opportunity. “Anything can happen in a knockout game,” Alonso remarked, underscoring the unpredictability of such high-stakes matches.
Both teams will be without key players, with Bayern missing top scorer Harry Kane and Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface sidelined.
However, Alonso expressed confidence in Patrik Schick’s red-hot form. Schick, who has been a pivotal figure with a string of crucial goals, is seen as a beacon of hope for Leverkusen.
“Patrik is in a top moment. He not only scores but contributes significantly to the team’s play,” Alonso said, highlighting Schick’s versatility and work rate.
For Leverkusen, the clash represents not only a battle against a domestic powerhouse in the Bundesliga but also a chance to prove their mettle on one of football’s biggest stages. “It’s the biggest challenge, almost like a final,” Alonso concluded, bracing for the intensity that a Bayern match in Munich always brings.