Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen will look to extend their impressive run against Bayern Munich when the two sides clash in the Champions League last 16. Leverkusen have never lost to Bayern under Alonso, winning three and drawing three of their encounters.
Alonso, a two-time Champions League winner as a player, believes emotional control will be crucial in the high-stakes tie. “It doesn’t matter. The next game is always the most important. It will be brutally difficult for us and it’ll be a big challenge,” Alonso said.
“We’re in form. We want to show again we can bring the fight to Bayern. But we also know the Champions League and Bundesliga are totally different. The Champions League is a bit more emotional. Emotional control is most important. Five bad minutes, and you’re gone.”
Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka is confident that his side can upset Bayern. “I think we’re stable enough to upset Bayern,” Xhaka said. “In the league, let’s see where things are after 34 matchdays. But there’s definitely a lot to be gained in the Champions League.”
Alonso acknowledged that Bayern’s experience and pedigree make them a formidable opponent. “We know each other very well and we’ve played recently,” Alonso said. “We need to try and deal with the bad moments we might have, because that’s the Champions League, to go through difficult moments and not make many mistakes.”
“We’re playing at the Allianz, then we play at home. It’s Bayern, they’re the best team in Germany. Not always the best team wins, but we will see.”