Bayer Leverkusen’s coach, Xabi Alonso, expressed his disappointment after the team’s unbeaten run in the Bundesliga came to an end with a 3-2 defeat against RB Leipzig. The loss marked the first time Leverkusen had been defeated by a German opponent since May 2023, ending a remarkable streak of 35 Bundesliga games without a loss. Alonso described the feeling as “bitter,” emphasizing that he did not believe his team deserved to lose the match.
Throughout the game, Leverkusen struggled with defensive lapses, allowing Leipzig to capitalize on relatively few chances and ultimately secure a comeback victory. Despite scoring twice in the first half and taking a 2-0 lead, Leverkusen could not maintain control in the second half, giving Leipzig too much space to exploit. These defensive vulnerabilities proved costly as Leipzig scored three goals from just 10 shots, compared to Leverkusen’s 27 attempts on goal.
Alonso acknowledged the need for improvement in defense and called for greater unity among his players as they strive to defend their title this season. He highlighted the importance of both attacking and defending as a cohesive unit, emphasizing the need for a collective effort in all phases of the game. Despite the setback, Alonso remains optimistic about the team’s potential for growth, recognizing that mistakes must be addressed and rectified moving forward.
Following the defeat, Alonso reflected on both the positives and negatives from the game, noting that Leverkusen played well in the first half but lost control in the second. The team’s inability to maintain their lead and contain Leipzig’s attacking threats showcased areas that require improvement. Alonso stressed the importance of learning from these mistakes and emphasized that it is still early in the season, suggesting that there is room for development and progress.
As Leverkusen prepares for their upcoming fixtures, Alonso highlighted the need to refocus and continue working on their game. The team’s upcoming matches against Hoffenheim and Feyenoord pose new challenges, requiring a renewed sense of determination and focus. Leverkusen will aim to bounce back from their defeat and demonstrate their resilience as they strive for success in both domestic and European competitions.
Bayer Leverkusen’s defeat against RB Leipzig serves as a learning experience for Xabi Alonso and his team. The match highlighted the importance of defensive solidity, collective effort, and the ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. As Leverkusen seeks to maintain their competitive edge and defend their title, addressing the shortcomings exposed in this defeat will be crucial to their success moving forward.