Xabi Alonso helped Liverpool overturn a three-goal deficit within the 2005 Champions League remaining (INA FASSBENDER)
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso should channel the “Miracle of Istanbul”, Liverpool’s unimaginable comeback to win the 2005 Champions League remaining wherein he was key, to beat Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
On that day, then Liverpool midfielder Alonso scored the equaliser towards AC Milan because the Reds got here from 3-0 down at half-time to attract 3-3, earlier than profitable the match on penalties.
After Bayern’s 3-0 win in Munich within the first leg of their final 16 tie, the deficit is similar for Leverkusen and Alonso going into the return fixture.
Commercial
Leverkusen, the defending German champions who had by no means misplaced to Bayern in six matches beneath Alonso, capitulated in Munich final week, with the Basque lamenting a “self-inflicted” defeat the place his aspect “gave every thing” to their opponents.
Leverkusen’s woes could also be compounded by an damage to midfield lynchpin Florian Wirtz, who limped off after a tough problem on Saturday having performed simply 14 minutes.
– A ‘large miracle’ –
With this season’s remaining in Munich, Bayern had been beneath extra strain than Leverkusen heading into the primary leg.
However after a goalkeeping howler, an pointless penalty and a few poor marking for a Harry Kane header, Bayern have one foot within the quarter-finals.
Commercial
Leverkusen haven’t made it so far as the final eight of the Champions League since their run to the ultimate in 2002, the place they misplaced to a Zinedine Zidane-inspired Actual Madrid.
A two-time Champions League winner as a participant, Alonso has outlined the size of the duty now awaiting his aspect, however is aware of from expertise something is feasible.
“After this sport we’ll want a bit extra time so we are able to get better — in soccer we have seen large miracles very often and we nearly want one,” he stated on Wednesday.
“It is soccer, it isn’t my first time (towards the percentages), and there is one other sport at residence.”
Commercial
Alonso could also be comparatively inexperienced — this season is his first teaching within the Champions League and his second full marketing campaign on the high stage — however he has already carried out even higher miracles within the Leverkusen dugout.
Weighed down by the undesirable ‘Neverkusen’ moniker having by no means gained the Bundesliga of their 120-year historical past, Alonso took over with the membership in relegation hazard in October 2022.
Alonso had an nearly fast influence, reviving the membership’s fortunes as they stacked up a collection of victories together with a 2-1 defeat of Bayern, Julian Nagelsmann’s final match answerable for the German giants earlier than getting sacked.
The next season, Alonso piloted Leverkusen to an unprecedented unbeaten league and cup double, together with a run to the Europa League remaining.
Commercial
That Europa League remaining defeat was Leverkusen’s solely loss in 53 video games final season.
Alonso’s males scored 17 stoppage-time objectives in all competitions, showcasing a self-belief which stayed resolute till the ultimate whistle.
– ‘An enormous response’ –
Each Leverkusen and Bayern crashed again to earth within the Bundesliga on Saturday. Leverkusen misplaced 2-0 at residence to a Werder Bremen aspect who had gained simply one in every of 10 video games in 2025.
Bayern went down 3-2 at residence to relegation-threatened Bochum, the guests’ first win in Munich since 1991.
A win for Alonso’s aspect would have introduced them 5 factors behind league leaders Bayern, hanging a psychological blow earlier than Tuesday’s second leg.
Commercial
A pissed off Alonso lamented his aspect’s unhealthy day towards Bremen, one thing which has been uncommon in Leverkusen for the reason that 43-year-old’s arrival.
“After the massive defeat in Munich, we needed to be contemporary at the moment. It did not work,” he stated after Saturday’s loss.
“Nothing labored at the moment. Not on the wing, not within the centre. I am accountable for that.”
Bayern striker Harry Kane promised a response in Leverkusen after his aspect’s shock defeat.
“It is an opportunity to indicate a response,” the England captain informed reporters. “Every time we have misplaced this season, we have gone into the sport with fireplace in our stomach.
“Leverkusen have misplaced two in a row they usually’ll attempt to have an enormous response at residence and we must be prepared for that.”
dwi/mw