Bayern Munich vs Leverkusen: Alonso Warns of Different Bayern Team

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso expects a tough challenge against Bayern Munich in the German Cup last-16 clash.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is not underestimating Bayern Munich ahead of their German Cup last-16 matchup on Tuesday. Despite Bayern's 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday, Alonso's focus remains on preparing his team for the challenge.

Bayern Munich's recent draw at Dortmund marked the end of their impressive seven-game winning streak, during which they had not conceded a single goal. The Bavarians had to come from behind to secure a late equalizer and salvage a point.

Xabi Alonso, the manager of Bayer Leverkusen, is anticipating a challenging match against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Despite Bayern's recent struggles, Alonso believes the team will be different when they host Leverkusen. “For me, it's a different game altogether. We're playing in Munich, and that changes everything,” Alonso stated during a press conference on Monday.

Alonso acknowledged watching Bayern's recent match against Borussia Dortmund but emphasized that his team is preparing for a tough encounter. “We expect an extremely difficult game in Munich,” he cautioned. Bayern, now under the guidance of Vincent Kompany, appears to have regained their dominance, leading the Bundesliga with a four-point advantage. They have also rebounded in the Champions League after a rocky start.

Bayer Leverkusen, who achieved an impressive league and Cup double without defeat last season, currently occupies third place in the Bundesliga standings, trailing Bayern by seven points.

“But the Cup is one game and anything can happen there,” Alonso said. “Tomorrow is like a final for us. There is no tougher game than a game at the Allianz Arena.

“Normally if Bayern play at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga, the Champions League or the Cup they are always the favourites. It is the biggest challenge. Almost a final,” added the Spaniard.

Bayer Leverkusen will be missing key striker Victor Boniface for their upcoming match, while Bayern Munich will be without top scorer Harry Kane. However, Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is confident in the abilities of forward Patrik Schick, who has been in exceptional form.

Schick has been on a scoring streak, netting the winning goal against Union Berlin on Saturday, following a hat-trick against Heidenheim the previous week. He also scored in Leverkusen's 5-0 Champions League victory over Salzburg midweek. Alonso praised Schick's performance, saying: “Patrik is in a top moment. He not only scores but does a lot of other things right, also against Union Berlin in an intense game against a tough defence.”

Alonso expressed his delight in Schick's current form, stating: “I am happy he is having this good feeling.” With Schick firing on all cylinders, Leverkusen will be looking to him to lead the charge against Bayern Munich in their German Cup last-16 clash.