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Xabi Alonso can’t do anything about it. Back into the bend. Black. Red, down to the blood. Back to the Ultras, who shouted their hearts out behind the goal and also chanted the name of their successful coach at the end.
“The fans were incredible. They gave us so much energy. Then I thought I should definitely give something back to them,” says Alonso, “that was a very beautiful moment – together with the whole team and staff, who all worked so fantastically.”
From Tuchel to Müller: Bayern stars served according to Leverkusen’s lesson
The full passion for Bayer Leverkusen, which the Bavarians from Munich demonstrated on Saturday evening with an unprecedented attack. Alonso leaves the North Block in disbelief and with shining eyes and can hardly believe his luck.
Football festival in the middle of carnival
High above him, the score 3-0 flashes on the extra-large scoreboard – an image for eternity in Leverkusen. The holidays continue in Leverkusen. The city has been in a state of emergency all week.
It all started with the 3-2 win against Stuttgart in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup. The last-minute victory over the Swabians sent the otherwise euphoric city into total ecstasy.
As soon as the first rush was over, the corks popped again. And that already on Thursday, with the start of the carnival – from the women’s carnival to Ash Wednesday. Seven days of cheer, bustle and merriment. And in between the top meeting in the Bundesliga against Bayern Munich.
Exaggerated ticket prices
The top game not only thrilled the Bayer fans in advance, but also attracted people across the country. The factory club received more than 180,000 ticket requests for the game of games. Until shortly before the match on Saturday evening, ticket prices were over 3,000 euros.
Those who paid the extortionate without a season ticket witnessed an upside-down football world in the stadium. The best defense in the league surprised the best attack in the country with daring attacking football. Bayern, which is otherwise so dangerous to score, is completely powerless – as if petrified with awe.
Bayer dictated the match without overdoing it – with Granit Xhaka in midfield, slowing the pace early on. Only after ten minutes did the Werkself venture into the opponent’s penalty area, where the lively Adli fired the first salvo.
At the other end, Goretzka responded with a long shot – a signal that had no effect. As a result, Xhaka continued the offensive. As if at the push of a button, Josip Stanisic made it 1-0 after 18 minutes. Of all people, the Croatian Stanisic, born in Munich, has been under contract with Bayern Munich for seven years, but has been on loan to Leverkusen since last year.
First Xhaka’s moment of shock, then a storm of celebration
However, the fans’ celebration of the lead was briefly silenced when number 34 went down in the 34th minute. Granit Xhaka turned around, his face contorted in pain, as he held his left thigh. Shocking moment for the team around coach Xabi Alonso.
After a short treatment, Xhaka was able to resume the match. “He gritted his teeth. He is a real warrior,” said Alonso. Xhaka returns to the field after the break.
Immediately after the restart, Leverkusen caused the next festive storm with Grimaldo’s 2-0 victory. Shortly before the end, Frimpong made it 3-0 after a counterattack.
The stadium explodes with joy – and Granit Xhaka and Alonso are in each other’s arms. Both know: the bowl is within reach. Even though Alonso does not want to hear premature congratulations. “We’ll talk about that in May.”
|
team
|
SP
|
T.D
|
PT
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 Bayer Leverkusen
|
21
|
41
|
55
|
|
|
2
|
 Bayern Munich
|
21
|
37
|
50
|
|
|
3
|
 VfB Stuttgart
|
20
|
20
|
40
|
|
|
4
|
 Borussia Dortmund
|
21
|
17
|
40
|
|
|
5
|
 RB Leipzig
|
21
|
18
|
37
|
|
|
6
|
 Eintracht Frankfurt
|
21
|
6
|
32
|
|
|
7
|
 Sc Freiburg
|
21
|
-11
|
28
|
|
|
8th
|
 1. FC Heidenheim 1846
|
21
|
-6
|
27
|
|
|
9
|
 TSG Hoffenheim
|
20
|
-2
|
26
|
|
|
10
|
 Werder Bremen
|
21
|
-4
|
26
|
|
|
11
|
 FC Augsburg
|
21
|
-8th
|
23
|
|
|
12
|
 VfL Wolfsburg
|
21
|
-8th
|
23
|
|
|
13
|
 Borussia Monchengladbach
|
21
|
-5
|
22
|
|
|
14
|
 VfL Bochum
|
21
|
-16
|
22
|
|
|
15
|
 Union Berlin
|
21
|
-15
|
21
|
|
|
16
|
 1. FC Cologne
|
20
|
-20
|
15
|
|
|
17
|
 FSV Mainz
|
20
|
-17
|
12
|
|
|
18
|
 SV Darmstadt 98
|
21
|
-27
|
12
|
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
