Bayern's Irony in Front of Leverkusen

MUENCHEN, TUESDAY -- For Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is a figure who embodies irony. After concluding his illustrious career as a player at Bayern, Alonso has instead created a giant that Bayern cannot defeat. This irony resurfaces in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.

Bayern may be eight points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen in the race for the German League title. However, in the upcoming clash, Leverkusen is favored to win. This is understandable, as since Alonso began coaching Leverkusen at the end of 2022, Bayern has never defeated their rival team in six consecutive matches (3 losses, 3 draws).

Including this season, the two German giants have already met three times. Two matches ended in a draw, and one was won by Leverkusen. Bayern has not been able to do much. This reality looms over the hosts, Bayern, as they welcome Leverkusen in the first match at Allianz Arena Stadium on Thursday (6/3/2025) early morning Western Indonesia Time (WIB).

Alonso has truly become the antagonist for Bayern. Not only because he is a former beloved player who moved to a rival team, but also due to tactics that consistently leave Bayern powerless. A recent example occurred just two weeks ago, when the two teams played to a 0-0 draw in a German League match.

The match was indeed balanced, but Leverkusen fully dominated the game. Bayern, arriving as the visiting team, only managed to make two shot attempts, none of which were on target. Bayern's first shot was produced in the 73rd minute. Alonso's squad was simply unlucky in front of the goal.

The Champions League is more emotional, it's not always the best team that wins. Just five bad minutes can knock you out.

Alonso's strategy is in the spotlight. He applies a man-to-man defense to every opposing player, including the opposing attackers. Bayern uses a 4-4-2 formation with a striker duo of Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. The two players are used as "false attackers" or often retreat lower during the attack build-up phase.

Alonso took the risk of pursuing both opposing attackers wherever they went. Center-backs Edmond Tapsoba and Jonathan Tah often guarded up to half of the opponent's defense, even though it left gaps behind. As a result, Bayern Coach Vincent Kompany's plan did not work at all.

Despite being the favourite, Alonso was reluctant to boast. "They are a big team. They want to play in the final because it is in Munich. The Champions League is more emotional, not always the best team wins. With just five bad minutes, you can be out," Alonso, a two-time Champions League winner as a player, told Sky Sports Germany.

The tradition separates Bayern from Leverkusen. For Bayern, which has already won six times, Leverkusen is merely a "newcomer." This tradition is related to mentality. Many do not believe in the influence of mentality in the European arena, but giant teams like Bayern and Real Madrid have already proven it.

Last season, for example. Under coach Thomas Tuchel, Bayern was called the worst version of the team in the last decade. However, everything changed when they appeared in European competition. Manuel Neuer and his colleagues were still able to reach the semifinals, including eliminating Arsenal who were in their best form.

Kompany said it would be tough to beat Leverkusen. The visitors are very effective when defending high or low. They are trying to prepare a response to both schemes. "We will face each other five times this season. It will be an interesting rivalry for the two best teams in Germany at the moment. We want to win," he said.

Judging from this season's meetings, Bayern versus Leverkusen matches have always been goalless. In total, only three goals were scored in the last three meetings. A similar fierce battle is likely to be presented again in the two home matches later. This means that the team that qualifies for the quarter-finals will be determined by a very thin margin.

The quality of individual players will also be the difference. Bayern has Kane who has produced 7 goals and 1 assist in 9 Champions League matches and winger Michael Olise (5 goals and 1 assist). In the away team, attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz (6 goals and 1 assist) is again the mainstay.

Wirtz, last time he met Bayern, successfully disrupted the opponent's defense. He was deployed as a striker in a 4-4-2 formation in the starting lineup. However, when in possession, he dropped back a little and played as an attacking midfielder in a 2-2-1-5 formation. Wirtz was a source of creativity for Leverkusen.

Leverkusen are favourites due to their history, but there has not been a clear winner between Alonso and Kompany this season. Leverkusen's only win (1-0) this season came in the German Cup. The result was achieved after Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute. Alonso has never beaten Kompany in an 11-on-11 situation. (AP/REUTERS)