“Players like Xabi Alonso in midfield have the capacity to read the whole game,” Simeone said then. “Alonso’s return meant Madrid found the famous ‘balance’ their coach (then Carlo Ancelotti) was looking for. But the balance is Xabi Alonso, not the others.”

A little more than two years after a heartbreaking group stage elimination, Atlético de Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen will meet again in the Champions League on Tuesday in a vital showdown for positioning in the league phase table.

Bayer Leverkusen need to be ruthless to win at Atletico Madrid and edge closer to a direct spot in the Champions League last 16, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of Tuesday's clash.

Xabi Alonso stresses the importance of Bayer Leverkusens must-win match against Atletico Madrid to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League.

Following Bayern Munich's victory over Wolfsburg earlier, Bayer Leverkusen returned to within four points of the Bundesliga leaders with an 11th straight win across all competitions

Bayern Munich moved seven points clear of Bayer Leverkusen with a 3-2 win against Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon, but Vincent Kompany’s side were made to work for their win.Leon Goretzka worked

Xabi Alonso insisted that Bayer Leverkusen must fight in their Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid to keep their hopes of a top eight finish alive. Alonso’s side are fourth in the new 36-team table,

Leon Goretzka has scored twice for Bayern Munich to beat Wolfsburg 3-2 and retain its four-point lead in the Bundesliga

Florian Wirtzs two goals and assist lead Bayer Leverkusen to a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach, keeping pressure on Bayern Munich.

Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen know they will need to be close to perfect to hunt down leaders Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga returns ... Unbeaten league and cup winners last campaign, Xabi Alonso's side stumbled early in the season as they struggle ...

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