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

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

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

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has finally responded to growing speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job. Rumors suggest that current boss Carlo Ancelotti may step down earlier than expected.

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

CARLO ANCELOTTI will quit Real Madrid with Xabi Alonso ready to replace him, according to reports. The 65-year-old boss guided Los Blancos to LaLiga and Champions League glory last season. But

It was an act which sparked uproar in the stands with scores of Atletico fans getting out of their seats to angrily gesticulate towards the Dutch defender while home centre-back José María Giménez also confronted the Leverkusen man and his teammates.

See the starting lineups and subs for Al-Ittihad vs Al-Shabab match on 22 January, 2025 on myKhel.

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