The Decisive Blow Came in Munich
Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League journey came to an end after a 5-0 aggregate loss to Bayern Munich. Following the second leg’s 2-0 defeat, head coach Xabi Alonso was candid about where the tie was truly lost.
“We didn’t lose the tie today. We lost it in the second half in Munich,” Alonso stated. “Today we gave everything in the first half, we wanted to force the luck and the hope, but that didn’t come. I’m nevertheless proud of the team, we left everything out there.”
Missed Chances and Inefficiency Cost Leverkusen
Alonso acknowledged that his team created opportunities but lacked the efficiency to capitalize on them. “We were close to scoring and had enough set-piece situations. We had chances to score the opening goal. It was a bit hectic, but the boys did well. Though after the first Bayern goal, it was very difficult.”
Despite their effort, Bayern’s clinical approach and Leverkusen’s inability to convert chances sealed their fate. “The Champions League is a competition where you can’t make mistakes, and we made too many. We needed something spectacular, but it didn’t work out. The performance was good. There was no lack of quality, it was a lack of efficiency,” Alonso explained.
Moving Forward with Realistic Goals
While disappointed by the result, Alonso emphasized that this setback does not erase the progress Leverkusen has made. “We’ve undergone a great development within the team and the club. The next step is arguably the most difficult. We have to be realistic. We want to be competitive with the best in the world. We have to go our way. But we don’t have to think that everything is a disaster after tonight.”
Leverkusen will now shift their focus back to domestic competitions, aiming to continue their upward trajectory under Alonso’s leadership.
