On Tuesday night, Anfield will witness a reunion with former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso as he leads Bayer Leverkusen into battle against his old club in the UEFA Champions League. Both teams have experienced contrasting trajectories in their recent campaigns, with Liverpool thriving under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership. The Reds have maintained an impressive record in the Champions League, boasting three consecutive victories, capitalizing on their momentum to reclaim the top position in the English Premier League following a success against Brighton. Alonso, once rumored to be a key figure to replace Klopp, remains at Leverkusen, where he achieved historic success last season by capturing the Bundesliga title, DFB Pokal, and securing a spot in the Europa League final. However, this season has not been as fruitful, as Leverkusen trails Bayern Munich by seven points and has struggled in recent matches, drawing three of their last four fixtures.
Liverpool’s resurgence following the departure of Klopp has been smooth, aided by the strategic leadership of Arne Slot. The team has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, reflecting their commitment to evolving under new management. Their impressive form has made them a formidable opponent, and this Champions League clash offers an opportunity for the Reds to enhance their record against Leverkusen, with Liverpool holding a favorable history in their encounters, winning three out of four meetings. The last time these teams faced off in the Champions League was during the 2004-05 season, where Liverpool triumphed with a convincing 3-1 victory in both legs of the round of 16, eventually leading to their trophy win.
Meanwhile, Leverkusen’s recent outings in the Champions League have been mixed, boasting seven points from three matches, courtesy of victories over Feyenoord and AC Milan, alongside a frustrating draw against Ligue 1 side Brest. The German side’s performance has been a step lower than the previous season’s extraordinary achievements, emphasizing the challenges teams often face in maintaining consistency after a successful campaign. With Leverkusen struggling domestically and battling injuries, including a setback for wing-back Nordi Mukiele, Alonso faces pressure to rally his squad and deliver a strong performance against a resurgent Liverpool.
In terms of injuries, both squads have been affected, impacting their preparations ahead of this high-stakes encounter. Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate is uncertain to feature following an arm injury sustained in the match against Brighton, while star players like Alisson Becker, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota are also sidelined. This situation could necessitate tactical adjustments for Klopp as he seeks to maintain Liverpool’s intricate playing style. Despite these challenges, Mohamed Salah remains a beacon of hope for Liverpool, having recently overtaken Robbie Fowler to ascend to eighth on the Premier League all-time scoring list. His current form in the Champions League could see him etch his name into history by potentially scoring in six consecutive home matches, a feat not achieved by an English club since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003.
As for Leverkusen, their injury concerns have also compounded the difficulties they face going into this crucial match. Aside from Mukiele, two key players, Amine Adli and Jeanuel Belocian, are ruled out for the game, which limits Alonso’s choices significantly. The fitness of Martin Terrier remains a question mark as well, leaving the squad in a precarious position. Nonetheless, striker Victor Boniface has emerged as a vital asset, with his decisive goal against Milan showcasing his capability to impact big matches positively. This week’s encounter will be pivotal for Boniface and his teammates, signaling an opportunity to galvanize and find form when needed most.
Ultimately, this match is more than just a contest between two clubs; it holds personal significance for Xabi Alonso as he returns to Anfield, where he forged memories and built a legacy. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, fueled by the reunion of a beloved figure and the intense rivalries within European football. Both Liverpool and Leverkusen have their respective ambitions and stakes in the match, with the former aiming to solidify their dominance in the group while the latter seeks to establish its credentials in Europe on a grand stage. As fans eagerly await this clash, the anticipation amplifies the underlying narrative of reconciliation, ambition, and the fight for supremacy on the continental front.
