Sports Desk:

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged his team’s struggle against Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday, describing the Merseyside club as one of Europe’s finest teams at the moment.

In Short

• Alonso praises Liverpool as Europe’s top team ahead of Anfield clash
• Leverkusen sixth in Group C; Liverpool leads with perfect nine points
• Alonso acknowledges Liverpool’s strength and stresses focus for the match

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has hailed Liverpool as one of Europe’s top teams as he prepares his side for a pivotal Champions League showdown at Anfield on Tuesday. With both teams in impressive form, the encounter is set to be a high-stakes battle as they vie for supremacy in Group C.

Alonso’s team currently sits sixth in the competition standings with seven points from three games. Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, are riding high with a perfect nine points, leading both the Champions League group and the Premier League. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Alonso underscored the intensity of the challenge that lies ahead.

“For us, it is a big challenge. Liverpool at the moment are one of the best, if not the best, in Europe,” Alonso remarked. “They are showing that in the Premier League and Champions League. They have a good squad and a great coach. We’re looking forward to it—let’s see what happens.”

Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder who made over 200 appearances for the club from 2004 to 2009 and was part of the squad that famously won the Champions League in 2005, acknowledged the formidable task Leverkusen will face. With Liverpool in exceptional form, the Spaniard emphasized the importance of staying focused and resilient throughout the match.

“You can play 70 minutes great, and in 20 minutes the game is gone, so mentally and emotionally we need to be ready,” Alonso said. “In all areas, they are really strong, so the process works really well. The manager [Slot] has done a fantastic job in three months.”

Returning to Liverpool is always a meaningful experience for Alonso, but he’s keeping his focus strictly on the task at hand. “Unfortunately, there is no time for tourism — maybe a little run or walk tomorrow,” he said. “I know the city very well; I love it, but tomorrow I will focus on the game and only the game.”

Reflecting on Liverpool’s evolution since his playing days, Alonso added, “It feels great to be back here after a few years. It’s always special. You notice the development of the club; the new stand looks amazing. Tomorrow is a big game against Liverpool—it cannot get much better than that.”

The game promises to be a key test for both teams as they seek to secure a place in the knockout rounds. For Alonso, however, it’s also a personal return to the place where he first made his mark in European football—a narrative that adds yet another layer of anticipation to this exciting matchup.