Xabi Alonso views Bayer Leverkusen’s victory as an ideal preparation for Champions League clash.

Xabi Alonso, manager of Bayer Leverkusen, expressed his delight after his team’s commanding 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday, labelling it the perfect preparation for the highly-anticipated Champions League last-16 clash against rivals Bayern Munich next week.

Leverkusen took control early, scoring three goals in a rapid-fire seven-minute period during the first half, and apart from a solitary defensive error, they dictated the match without facing serious threats from Frankfurt.

As they gear up for the first leg of the Champions League tie in Munich on Wednesday, Leverkusen find themselves nine points adrift of Bayern in the Bundesliga, following the latter’s 3-1 triumph over Vfb Stuttgart on Friday.

“I’m extremely happy and proud,” Alonso remarked to the media.

“From the outset, we demonstrated complete focus in every moment, whether in possession or out of it.

“It was a comprehensive performance with an excellent scoreline. This serves as the perfect lead-up for Wednesday night’s Champions League showdown.“

Alonso was particularly pleased with their display against a side currently placed third in the league, who had previously only suffered one defeat at home this season.

“I’m really satisfied, especially with the way we played at a high intensity and maintained good ball control during the first 35 minutes against a direct opponent like Eintracht. They are always a tough challenge,” he stated.

Looking ahead, Alonso confirmed that his squad is prepared for the upcoming all-German encounter, which will mark their first face-off in a prestigious European tournament.

“We are ready for the next challenge in Munich, where we’ll be up against the top team in Germany. We will give it everything we’ve got,” he declared.

“Do we consider ourselves the favourites? We’re not naive. We’re going up against FC Bayern… It’s important to show them the respect they deserve,” Alonso added, referring to a team that has claimed the European Cup six times.