All posts tagged: Bayer Leverkusen

Football In 2024: A Call Back To The Pre-Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo Age

Football In 2024: A Call Back To The Pre-Lionel Messi And Cristiano Ronaldo Age

Published by Webster

2024 is perhaps the first year of football in a long time where it’s hard to pick out one singular standout moment of the year. 2023 saw Manchester City lift the treble, 2022 was Lionel Messi‘s ascent to immortality, 2021 was Italy’s Euro triumph, and before that, we did not have to look past Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to find a standout. But in 2024 – for the first time in years – the standout thing was that there wasn’t a standout moment. And perhaps the best way to signal the fact that there wasn’t a standout was the fact that neither Messi nor Ronaldo made it into the Top 30 of the Ballon d’Or nominees. The award they couldn’t stop winning at one point had finally moved on for good. Football in 2024 saw surprises. Perhaps more than we’re used to. Bayern Munich no longer won the Bundesliga, dark horses Spain won the Euros, and a defensive midfielder won the Ballon d’Or. For good heavens, Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of …

Goodbye Fergie Time, hello Alonso time | Football News

Goodbye Fergie Time, hello Alonso time | Football News

Published by Parlour News

Kolkata: The second season, according to Manolo Marquez, can be more difficult. “Now, they are the surprise of the league; next year all the people will know these players,” he had said after getting Hyderabad FC to punch above their weight in his first Indian Super League (ISL) season. Next season, Marquez won ISL with Hyderabad FC. Bayer Leverkusen’s Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso reacts during the Champions League game against Inter Milan in Leverkusen on Tuesday night. (AFP) After becoming the first team to win Bundesliga unbeaten, bagging a German double and their only defeat in a 52-game season coming in the Europa League final, Xabi Alonso would know all about the second-season blues his fellow Spaniard was talking about. Leicester City finished 12th one season after winning the Premier League, Napoli were 10th after ending a 33-year wait for the Serie A and following their fairytale third-place finish in La Liga last term, Girona are now ninth. Mocked as Bayer Never-kusen for their inability to close out Bundesliga seasons – they were runners-up …

Luis Diaz Hits Hat-Trick As Liverpool Spoil Xabi Alonso’s Return To Anfield

Luis Diaz Hits Hat-Trick As Liverpool Spoil Xabi Alonso’s Return To Anfield

Published by Webster

Xabi Alonso said his return to Anfield was bittersweet after Liverpool thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 on Tuesday, thanks to a Luis Diaz hat-trick, to go top of the Champions League table. Cody Gakpo was also on target as the Reds maintained their 100 percent record in Europe after four games. Alonso, a Champions League winner during his playing days in the Liverpool midfield, turned his back on succeeding Jurgen Klopp to remain at Leverkusen after leading them to an unbeaten German league and cup double last season. The Spaniard’s name was chanted by the home support in the closing stages. Liverpool, though, are not left wondering what might have been as Arne Slot continued his stunning start as manager with a 14th win in 16 games in all competitions. “One thing is the game and the other thing was the reception,” said Alonso, who played for the Reds between 2004 and 2009. “I have a bitter feeling but I really appreciate and (I’m) thankful that after so many years I come here and …

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen LIVE Streaming UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen LIVE Streaming UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch

Published by Webster

Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen LIVE Streaming UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Live Telecast: Liverpool host Bayer Leverkusen in their UEFA Champions League 2024-25 match on Wednesday (IST). Taking the top spot will be in the mind of second-placed Liverpool. With 9 points, they follow table-toppers Aston Villa, who also have 9 points but a better goal difference. It is worth noting that The Reds are on a three-match winning streak in the tournament. On the other hand, Bayer Leverkusen have won two and drew one game out of the three played so far. Xabi Alonso returns to Anfield for the first time on Wednesday (IST), as his Bayer Bayer Leverkusen face Liverpool in the Champions League, the trophy he helped the Reds win in 2005. Alonso played 210 games for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009, with the highlight undoubtedly being the miracle comeback in the Reds’ Champions League final win over AC Milan in Istanbul. When will the Liverpool vs Bayer Leverkusen UEFA Champions League 2024-25 football match take place? The Liverpool vs Bayer …

‘Too Early To Say Bayer Leverkusen Out Of Title Race’: Xabi Alonso

‘Too Early To Say Bayer Leverkusen Out Of Title Race’: Xabi Alonso

Published by Webster

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said it was “too early” to write off his side’s title defence despite dropping more points in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Werder Bremen. Leverkusen led twice but were pegged back on both occasions, including conceding their second in the 90th minute. Last season, Leverkusen dropped just 12 points on the way to an unbeaten Bundesliga title. However, Alonso’s side have already dropped nine this campaign. They sit five points behind league leaders RB Leipzig but despite the setbacks, Alonso said his side still had time.  “Now in October, it’s too early,” Alonso said when asked about Leverkusen’s hopes of defending their title.  “We want to be more consistent and when we get to that level, we will pick up more points. “Anything can happen in the table… there’s too many matches to come.” While Leverkusen continue to fire up front, they have been leaky at the back, conceding 15 goals in eight games compared to 24 in 34 games last season. And the champions are yet to keep …

Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface Only ‘Slightly Injured’ After Car Accident

Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface Only ‘Slightly Injured’ After Car Accident

Published by Webster

Leverkusen are away at French club Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday.© X (Twitter) Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria striker Victor Boniface on Sunday shared video footage and photos of his smashed car after an accident. The forward can be seen looking into the camera and then showing what appears to be his arm dripping with blood. Other images show a black sports car which appears to have been destroyed in an accident. The post has since been deleted. German tabloid Bild reported Sunday Boniface is “doing well considering the circumstances and is only slightly injured”, citing a source close to the striker. Boniface wrote on social media on Sunday “god is the greatest” and “god says my time hasn’t come.” The forward’s club Leverkusen are yet to comment publicly on the news.  The 23-year-old striker joined Leverkusen last season and played a key role as the club broke through for an unbeaten league and cup double — their first ever Bundesliga win — while receiving his debut Nigeria call-up. This season he …

Victor Boniface Sends Bayer Leverkusen Past Eintracht Frankfurt; RB Leipzig Go Top

Victor Boniface Sends Bayer Leverkusen Past Eintracht Frankfurt; RB Leipzig Go Top

Published by Webster

Victor Boniface’s 72nd-minute goal was the difference as Bayer Leverkusen beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 at home, while RB Leipzig won 2-0 at Mainz to go top of the table. Omar Marmoush sent Frankfurt 1-0 up, before Robert Andrich equalised for the champions midway through the first half and Boniface completed the comeback in the second period. Leverkusen were given an early chance when Amine Adli was felled in the box, sending Boniface to the spot after a long VAR review.  The Nigerian’s shot, too soft and central, was gobbled up by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.  Just five minutes later, the referee was sent to the video screen again, this time finding a penalty for Frankfurt, with Andrich lightly touching Marmoush’s foot.  Marmoush showed Boniface how it is done, blasting a low shot left to give the visitors the lead on 16 minutes. The Egyptian now has an incredible nine goals and five assists in just seven league games this season. Andrich made good on his error soon afterwards, combining expertly with Adli and …

In-Form Omar Marmoush And Eintracht Frankfurt Hope To Tackle History At Wounded Bayer Leverkusen

In-Form Omar Marmoush And Eintracht Frankfurt Hope To Tackle History At Wounded Bayer Leverkusen

Published by Webster

Eintracht Frankfurt and in-form forward Omar Marmoush visit wounded Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday battling the weight of history. Frankfurt have lost their past 10 games at the BayArena, last avoiding defeat in a 1-1 draw in 2014, when current Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was still playing for Bayern Munich. Despite that lean run, Eintracht meet the reigning German league and cup holders full of confidence. Frankfurt scored in added time to draw 3-3 at home against leaders Bayern last time out and remain a point behind in third. Marmoush has eight goals and four assists in just six league games this season. On Thursday, the Bundesliga named him player of the month for September. Coach Dino Toppmoeller said Thursday his Frankfurt side “have the weapons to hurt the opponent”. “We’re really up for it. It’s always nice to play against an absolute top team to be able to prove yourself.” Marmoush started both matches as Egypt beat Mauritania twice in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and was “still on a plane” …

Bayer Leverkusen Drop Points In Bundesliga Again, Let Two-Goal Lead Slip vs Holstein Kiel

Published by Webster

Granit Xhaka reacts after Bayer Leverkusen’s draw.© AFP Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday suffered another early setback in their Bundesliga title defence as they let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Holstein Kiel. Xabi Alonso‘s side now have 11 points from six matches, giving Bayern Munich the chance to extend their advantage at the top when they travel to Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday. Victor Boniface put Leverkusen ahead at the BayArena after just four minutes with a left-footed shot from a tight angle. Exequiel Palacios’ break forward had created the opener and the Argentinian was also involved in Leverkusen’s second goal four minutes later, passing to Jonas Hofmann on the edge of the area who coolly slotted home. Kiel pulled back a goal in first-half stoppage time, underlining the defensive frailties that have plagued Leverkusen this season, as Max Geschwill forced the ball into the net with his left shoulder. The goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check. Leverkusen failed to hold onto their advantage in the second half and …

Bayer Leverkusen Hold On To Beat AC Milan In The Champions League

Published by Webster

Bayer Leverkusen showed attacking flair and then defensive grit to see off AC Milan 1-0 at home in the Champions League on Tuesday, continuing their perfect start to life in the competition. The decisive moment in the match came early in the second period when Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface showed his striker’s instinct to follow in an effort at goal and emphatically hand Xabi Alonso‘s side the three points. Leverkusen, beaten Europa League finalists in May, have continued their excellent form from last season, winning both of their matches in Europe’s top club competition with five goals scored and zero conceded. But it was a second defeat in two Champions League outings for seven-times winners Milan after they lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool in matchday one. “It’s true that we didn’t win, but it was the performance I liked the most since my arrival here,” AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca said to Sky Sport Italia. “Especially in the second half, we had a fantastic performance. We created so many chances and just failed …