Bayer Leverkusen played a near-perfect game in their 0-0 draw against Bayern Munich on Saturday and the only thing missing was a goal to crown that "fantastic" performance, said coach Xabi Alonso. The champions took control from the start and twice hit the woodwork midway through the first half,

How do you follow up an historic upset? That’s the question facing Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to prove they belong among European soccer’s top teams after ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign in the German league last season.

LEVERKUSEN – Asked if coach Xabi Alonso could one day be commemorated outside Bayer Leverkusen’s BayArena home, club chief executive Fernando Carro said that “after last year, it’s already enough for a statue”.

Saturday's Bundesliga big game between leaders Bayern Munich and champions Bayer Leverkusen is not a title-deciding game even though the latter are eight points behind the Bavarians, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said on Friday.

Bayer Leverkusen find themselves eight points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and take on Vincent Kompany's side next.

Bayer Leverkusen dominated Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Bayern Munich, but were held to a 0-0 draw by their title rivals. Speaking to Sky Germany after the game, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was proud of his side's performance.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was caught by surprise when the news broke that Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala had renewed his contract until 2030 on the eve of the two teams' big Bundesliga topper on Saturday.