Alonso: Expecting a Tough Match in Munich

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso stated that Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga over the weekend would have no bearing on preparations for their DFB-Pokal Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

Bayern had to come from behind to secure a late draw in Dortmund, ending the hosts’ seven-match streak of clean sheets across all competitions. However, Alonso anticipates a different Bayern side in Munich.

“For me, it’s a different match. First and foremost, it’s against Bayern,” Alonso said at a press conference in Leverkusen on Monday. “I watched their game against Dortmund, but we’re expecting an extremely tough challenge in Munich.”

Under new coach Vincent Kompany, Bayern has regained dominance, leading the Bundesliga by four points and recovering in the Champions League after a shaky start.

Leverkusen, last season’s unbeaten league and cup double winners, sit third in the Bundesliga, seven points behind Bayern.

“But the cup is a single game, and anything can happen,” Alonso emphasized. “Tomorrow’s match is like a final for us. There’s no tougher challenge than playing at the Allianz Arena. In the Bundesliga, Champions League, or the Cup, Bayern at home is always the favorite. It’s the ultimate test, akin to a final.”

Leverkusen will face Bayern without key striker Victor Boniface, while Bayern will miss their top scorer, Harry Kane. However, Alonso expressed confidence in striker Patrik Schick, who has been in fine form, scoring the winner against Union Berlin on Saturday after a hat-trick against Heidenheim the previous week.

“Schick is at his best,” Alonso said. “He’s not just scoring goals but contributing significantly in other areas, even against Union Berlin in a tough match against a solid defense. I’m delighted he’s in such great form.”