Xabi Alonso delivers message Liverpool fans will adore following Champions League rout – “You never know.”
Xabi Alonso has expressed confidence that his Bayer Leverkusen side can replicate Liverpool’s iconic “Miracle of Istanbul” as they aim to overturn a 3-0 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16. Goals from Jamal Musiala and a Harry Kane brace have left Leverkusen facing a steep challenge in the second leg at home next week.
To make matters worse for Leverkusen, key defender Nordi Mukiele was sent off and will be suspended for the return leg on Tuesday, March 11. However, despite the setbacks, Alonso remains optimistic.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the former Liverpool midfielder was asked if his team could pull off a comeback similar to Liverpool’s stunning 2005 Champions League final win against AC Milan, where they recovered from a 3-0 deficit to claim victory.
“Absolutely,” Alonso responded. “It will take time to analyze and process this result because we’ve been beaten quite well. Everything went wrong for us because of our own mistakes.
“But it’s not over until it’s over, and as you said, anything can happen. The mindset has to be that way. If there’s a chance, we’ll fight for it. We have to fight back. We’ll learn from this and believe in our second leg. We don’t give up easily. Three goals? You never know. One goal can change everything.”
