Bayer Leverkusen experienced a disappointing 0-4 defeat at Anfield despite a strong start in their Champions League match against Liverpool. Coach Xabi Alonso, reflecting on the challenging atmosphere, recognized the unique Anfield magic that contributed to the loss. While the team initially executed their game plan well, a breakthrough goal from Luis Diaz shifted the momentum. The defeat marked a setback for Leverkusen’s aspirations in the tournament, leaving them with work to do to compete at a higher level.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Struggle at Anfield
Bayer Leverkusen showcased a commendable performance for the first 60 minutes during their Champions League clash in Liverpool, only to face a devastating defeat. For Xabi Alonso, this encounter marked a poignant return, as a significant structural issue was reportedly a major contributor to their downfall.
Xabi Alonso Reflects on Anfield’s Unique Atmosphere
Following a challenging loss in his former stomping grounds, Xabi Alonso found himself momentarily speechless. Despite his attempts to convey his thoughts on the electrifying atmosphere at FC Liverpool, he acknowledged the difficulty in articulating the unique Anfield magic that led to his team’s defeat upon his return. His succinct takeaway? “That’s Anfield.”
The once-enthusiastic chants for Alonso from the Liverpool fans quickly faded after the final score of 0:4 (0:0) in the Champions League. The admiration he received during his professional tenure at LFC was overshadowed by the current match’s outcome. Alonso emphasized how the atmosphere acts as a significant motivator for players, stating, “The players feel: Okay, now is the moment, now they are behind us, and now it starts.”
Initially, Bayer Leverkusen seemed on track against the Premier League leaders, executing their game plan effectively. However, everything changed in the 61st minute when Luis Diaz, the standout hat-trick scorer, broke the deadlock, igniting the historic Anfield Stadium which subsequently overwhelmed Bayer. Alonso noted, “We tried to prepare for it, but in the end, it’s difficult.”
The defeat meant that Leverkusen missed the opportunity to become the first German team to secure a victory at Anfield. Alonso’s return was bittersweet as he reflected on his time at the club from 2004 to 2009. While he appreciated the warm welcome from the LFC fans, he lamented, “It would have been even nicer with a better result.”
The Bayer squad was eager to deliver a win for their coach in his first match against his former club. As captain Lukas Hradecky expressed, “We did not play into his hands, that he has to go home with such a result.” Yet, teammate Granit Xhaka remarked that they were “not the first and the last to have lost here” — not by such a margin.
In contrast to Alonso, the players were reluctant to cite the Anfield factor as an excuse. “It’s not the stadium that beat us,” Hradecky stated, emphasizing their respect for Liverpool without letting it overwhelm them. Instead, their performance lacked the expected flair, failing to showcase the “Bayer Leverkusen fireworks” familiar to fans.
As the season progresses, Bayer Leverkusen’s championship aspirations appear to be faltering. The team returned to the Rhineland after suffering their first Champions League defeat in four matches, realizing that they still have work to do before they can compete with Europe’s elite. Alonso underlined the importance of continued growth, noting that despite the disappointing result, it is “not the end of the world,” especially with seven points still keeping their hopes alive for the knockout stage.