“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.”

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso lamented his side's failure to hold onto a first-half lead at 10-man Atletico Madrid, who fought back to beat them 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, saying his side lacked the maturity to cope with the pressure.

Leverkusen had initially gone a goal up against 10-man Atletico, but surrendered their lead in the second half and had a player sent off themselves, before Julian Alvarez won it late on

Bayer Leverkusens Xabi Alonso reflects on his teams naivety after a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid, highlighting lessons for future matches.

The Spanish coach is the main candidate to replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso, coach of Bayer Leverkusen, praised Atlético de Madrid on Monday, a team they will face this Tuesday at the Metropolitano Stadium in a UEFA Champions League group stage match. The Spanish coach highlighted the quality of the team led by Diego Simeone,

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is rumoured to have decided to leave his post at the end of season, sparking speculation that Xabi Alonso will be brought in to replace him

Xabi Alonso could make up to five changes to his Bayer Leverkusen side ahead of their Champions League against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night.Lukas Hradecky, Arthur,

Harvey Elliott insisted he has no intentions of leaving Liverpool in the January transfer window after netting the winner in their Champions League clash against Lille.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso hopes that the late 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday can serve as a lesson for the upcoming matches. Piero Hincapie cancelled out Julian Alvarez's opener for Atletico,

Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez scored twice, leading to a 2-1 comeback win against Leverkusen, securing a Champions League last-16 spot.