Alonso Claims Bayer Leverkusen Gave Bayern Munich an Easy Victory on a ‘Disappointing Night’

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso expressed his disappointment over the avoidable blunders that led to his team’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the last-16 of the Champions League on Wednesday. He noted that his squad would require a “significant miracle” to stand a chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.

In the 2005 Champions League final, Alonso was instrumental in Liverpool’s remarkable comeback from 3-0 down against AC Milan, scoring the pivotal equaliser before clinching victory on penalties.

This iconic match is often referred to as the ‘Miracle of Istanbul,’ and Alonso hinted that his current team would need to achieve something similarly extraordinary to progress to the final eight.

“After this match, we’ll need some time to recover, and in football, we’ve often witnessed significant miracles—we’re going to need one now.”

“This is football; it’s not my first experience, and we have another game back at home.”

Entering the clash as slight favourites and boasting an unbeaten record against Bayern in six matches since Alonso’s appointment in October 2022, his team struggled and made several costly mistakes.

Bayern took an early lead with a goal from Harry Kane just nine minutes in. Jamal Musiala capitalised on a goalkeeping error early in the second half to extend Bayern’s advantage, shortly before Nordi Mukiele received a second yellow card for a foul on Kingsley Coman.

His replacement, Edmond Tapsoba, clung onto Kane for too long in the box, resulting in a penalty that the England captain converted effortlessly.

In an interview with DAZN, Alonso reflected on why his team had not been able to replicate their recent strong performances against the Bundesliga giants.

“Why? The answer is simple. I believe we caused our own downfall. We’re aware that details matter in the Champions League, and with the second goal, the red card, and the penalty, we handed Bayern everything they needed to win.”

Alonso, who had previously stressed the importance of maintaining composure and “emotional control” ahead of the match, suggested that his side needed to manage the game more effectively.

“We must demonstrate maturity to control the game better, and today we provided Bayern with every opportunity to secure a 3-0 win.”

“Mistakes and attention to detail are crucial. It’s a disappointing night, without a doubt.”