Alonso hails 'disciplined' Leverkusen after Tella assist helps shock Bayern

Bayer Leverkusen sealed an important win against Bayern Munich. (Photo Credit: Bundesliga)

Alonso hails 'disciplined' Leverkusen after Tella assist helps shock Bayern

Izuchukwu Akawor 07:48 - 11.02.2024

Nathan Tella was in fine form to help Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen shock Bayern Munich at home in the Bundesliga.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso praised his side’s disciplined performance after a moment of magic from Nathan Tella and Alejandro Grimaldo inspired them to a stunning win against Bayern Munich.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Leverkusen thrashed the defending champions 3-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table, with Tella playing an active role on Saturday.

Alonso on Leverkusen

Leverkusen blew away the holders at the BayArena thanks to goals from Josip Stanisic, Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong.

It was a major shock as Bayer had won just one of the previous nine competitive matches against Bayern.

Nathan Tella and Leverkusen celebrate a big win against Bayern Munich. (Photo Credit: Bundesliga)

But Alonso believed his team showed patience and maturity to earn a momentous victory.

" Today was a disciplined performance and it wasn’t so easy,” he said per a post by the club on X.com. 

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

“The first goal was very important for us. During the game we didn’t have a lot of the ball. The level from the team gets better every time, that win was really important for us."

Leverkusen had just 39% possession against Bayern but were ruthlessly effective on counter-attacks.

And Alonso says his squad's ability to compete with the champions shows their progress this season.

“We had a big performance on Tuesday as well, each of these games gives us more experience for the games like we had today,” he added. 

Nathan Tella has scored or assisted four goals in the last five matches for Leverkusen.. (Photo Credit: Bayer/X)

“It was a little different, to play a big part of the game without the ball. To have this competitive level against Bayern shows that they are learning and know how to play the 'not so nice' games. The commitment from the players is the key for me."  

The result leaves Leverkusen five points clear of Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga table after 21 matches.

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Alonso will now hope his resurgent team can maintain their stunning form over the course of the season as they look to end Bayern’s hegemony in the league. 

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