The回忆 of Istanbul
Xabi Alonso, now the coach of Bayer Leverkusen, knows a thing or two about turning the tables in European football. In 2005, as a Liverpool midfielder, he was instrumental in one of the most iconic comebacks in football history: the "Miracle of Istanbul." On that unforgettable night, Liverpool, trailing AC Milan 3-0 at half-time, staged a remarkable comeback to level the score at 3-3 before winning the Champions League final on penalties. Alonso, who scored the equalizer, was a key figure in that dramatic turnaround. Now, as he prepares to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of their last 16 tie, he must channel that same spirit to overcome a similar deficit.
The Challenge Ahead
The stakes are high for Leverkusen. After a devastating 3-0 loss in Munich, the defending German champions are facing an uphill battle to reverse the scoreline in the return fixture. Leverkusen had never lost to Bayern in six matches under Alonso, and the Basque coach described the defeat as "self-inflicted," emphasizing how poorly his team performed. The pressure is on Alonso to find a way to lift his side’s morale and performance before Tuesday’s crucial match. With the final of this season’s Champions League set to take place in Munich, Bayern were initially under more pressure heading into the first leg. However, after a series of errors, including a goalkeeping howler and an unnecessary penalty, Bayern now have one foot firmly in the quarter-finals.
Alonso’s Track Record
Despite being relatively new to top-level coaching—this season marks his first in the Champions League and his second full campaign—Alonso has already achieved remarkable success. When he took over the reins at Leverkusen in October 2022, the club was on the brink of relegation. However, Alonso’s arrival sparked an immediate revival, leading the team to a series of impressive victories, including a 2-1 win over Bayern, which was Julian Nagelsmann’s last match before being sacked. In the following season, Alonso guided Leverkusen to an unprecedented unbeaten league and cup double, along with a run to the Europa League final. The only blemish on their record—Leverkusen’s defeat in the Europa League final—was the only loss in 53 games, a testament to the team’s resilience and self-belief.
Recent Setbacks
Both Leverkusen and Bayern experienced disappointing results in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Leverkusen suffered a 2-0 home loss to Werder Bremen, a team that had won only one of their previous 10 games in 2025. Bayern, on the other hand, were defeated 3-2 by relegation-threatened Bochum, marking the visitors’ first win in Munich since 1991. A victory for Leverkusen would have narrowed the gap to five points behind league leaders Bayern, potentially delivering a mental blow before the crucial Champions League match. Alonso was visibly frustrated by his side’s poor performance against Bremen, admitting that nothing worked for his team on the day. "After the big defeat in Munich, we wanted to be fresh today. It didn’t work," he said. "I’m responsible for that."
The Promise of a Response
Bayern’s striker, Harry Kane, has vowed to respond strongly in Leverkusen. The England captain told reporters, "It’s a chance to show a response. Whenever we’ve lost this season, we’ve gone into the game with fire in our belly." Kane’s confidence is bolstered by Bayern’s history of bouncing back from setbacks. For Leverkusen, losing two consecutive matches only adds to the pressure. However, Alonso’s experience and the team’s recent track record suggest they are capable of mounting a formidable challenge. "It’s football, it’s not my first time (against the odds), and there’s another game at home," Alonso emphasized, highlighting the potential for a dramatic turnaround.
The Path to Recovery
As Leverkusen prepare for their home match, Alonso’s focus will be on rallying his troops and instilling the self-belief that has defined their recent successes. The team, known for their resilience and late goals, will need to draw on their mental strength and tactical acumen to achieve the impossible. Florian Wirtz, a crucial midfielder, may be sidelined due to an injury sustained in a rough challenge on Saturday, adding another layer of difficulty to their task. Nevertheless, the "Miracle of Istanbul" remains a powerful reminder that in football, anything can happen. Leverkusen will hope to replicate that spirit and deliver a "big response" on their home turf, proving once again that the impossible is within reach.
