Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso eyes historic Europa League clash with West Ham

By SABC Sport
8th April 2024

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen's clinched a 1-0 win over Union Berlin, extending their unbeaten streak to an impressive 41 games in all competitions.

The victory puts Leverkusen in a promising position to potentially secure the Bundesliga title next weekend, by Bayern Munich's defeat on Saturday and a Leverkusen victory on Sunday.

Speaking after the match, Alonso expressed his satisfaction with his team's performance, reflecting on their season's success and looking forward to their upcoming Europa League encounter against West Ham United on Thursday.

Alonso and his Leverkusen side exhibited patience in their victory on Saturday, capitalizing on a red card just before half-time and a subsequent penalty converted by Florian Wirtz to break the deadlock.

Following the game, Alonso commended his team's resilience, stating, "We displayed a strong mentality today. Despite facing a determined Union side, we trusted our abilities and remained patient. Our preparation paid off, and the win reflects the character of our season."

When asked about the looming Bundesliga title race and Bayern Munich's Saturday fixture, Alonso emphasized his team's focus on their own responsibilities, asserting, "We are solely focused on our game. The Bundesliga demands our full attention, and we must approach each match with seriousness."

Looking ahead to Thursday's Europa League Quarter-Final against West Ham, Alonso emphasized the significance of the occasion, labelling it a "historic opportunity" for Leverkusen. "We are chasing our dreams of reaching the final. Every game in the Europa League is crucial for us," he added.

Despite the near certainty of securing the Bundesliga title, Alonso remained cautious, emphasizing the need for continued preparation and focus. "While we are on the verge of a significant achievement, we must not lose sight of our objectives. We celebrate briefly but remain committed to our upcoming challenges," he remarked.

As Bayer Leverkusen gear up for a pivotal week, Alonso's leadership and tactical prowess have positioned the team for success on both domestic and European fronts, with eyes set firmly on lifting silverware at the season's end.