analysis
Bayer 04 Leverkusen had no chance in the round of 16 of the Champions League against FC Bayern. Hardly anyone would have expected that the difference against the Munich team is so big.
It was a hard and unchecked landing with two bankruptcy bankruptcy. Cumulative with 0: 5, FC Bayern had against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the round of 16 of the Champions League enforced. The impact of reality for the Werkelf could hardly be much bitter – which was without a chance over 180 minutes.
This also seemed to realize coach Xabi Alonso immediately after the final whistle. With a lot of expression, he went over the field with a high raised head and congratulated almost all players of the Munich -based company on their highly deserved victory and reaching the quarter -finals.
Big next step
But of course the disappointment about leaving was visible and noticeable in all Leverkuseners. The still reigning German champion had calculated much more in the round of the last 16 teams – and was suddenly slowed down by much better Munich. “We have to clearly recognize the success of Bayern”, said Bayer goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. “And we have to learn from it and improve further.”
Nobody expected that the difference would be so big. “We have not lost the round of 16 today. The Champions League is a competition in which you can’t make that many mistakes“, said Alonso.”So far we have made a great development in the team and in the club. But the next step is very difficult. “
It will be twice difficult without Wirtz
It was a realization that had already indicated during the group phase. Even if the Werkelf was the only German team to qualify for the round of the last 16 teams.
For teams that are located in the top category in European football – like that Liverpool FC or Atletico Madrid -, the Rhinelander still have catching up to do in terms of individual quality. There were defeats against both opponents.
And if – like now against FC Bayern – Florian Wirtz is also due to injury, the chances at the highest level are further decreased.
Duel not over yet
The Munich team had taken these two games as seriously as no more games for a long time. “Leverkusen is a real competitor. We did our work and these are two important victories for us”said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. In both games, the Munich team played as routinely, flawlessly and committed as a top European team.
Kompany and his team were all the more important, a real one Statement To set and also clarify who in your view is the league leader. “We have not been able to rest in recent years and it will stay that way. My feeling says that this duel is not over yet.”
Gate flaut against the Munich
In three games in a row (included in the Bundesliga), the Leverkuseners have no longer scored a goal against the Munich team. In all five games (with DFB Cup) this season, there were just two goals. After all, a victory jumped out.
The recent surprise effect with a changed storm formation around the fast Amine Adli, with which Alonso was irritating and out of the concept, seems to have lost its strength.
And even the latest solution with the robust penalty area Patrik Schick does not seem to seem to work anymore. Company seems to know exactly how to prevent goals and conquer the Werkelf. For its part, Alonso no longer finds new answers (more).
“The performance was okay“, Alonso said about his team – knowing that higher European goals with the current team will hardly be feasible.