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.
05:49 - 11.02.2024
Be like England - Tuchel cries out to Germany after on loan player inspired Leverkusen defeat
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has criticised the Bundesliga loan system after an embarrassing defeat to Bayer Leverkusen.
11:07 - 10.02.2024
Bayer Leverkusen line up Former Real Madrid manager to replace Xabi Alonso as Liverpool rumours heat up
Liverpool's pursuit of Xabi Alonso could force Bayer Leverkusen into the managerial market, with a former Real Madrid boss top of their wishlist
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
Related content
20:24 - 10.02.2024
Tella baby shines as Leverkusen dismantle Bayern Munich to extend unbeaten run
Nigeria's Nathan Tella continued his rich vein of form for Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen against defending champions Bayern Munich.
10:32 - 09.02.2024
Victor Boniface: Super Eagles star rewards fan with ₦500,000 for stunning portrait ahead of AFCON 2023 final
Victor Boniface showed his generosity on social media after a fan showed off an impressive portrait of him.
06:46 - 09.02.2024
Napoli president de Laurentiis admits details on deal for star player were much lower than reported
President Aurelio de Laurentiis sounded deflated when discussing the recent deal for the 2022/23 Serie A winner
17:13 - 03.02.2024
Tella proves Super Eagles' Jose Peseiro wrong again with brace for Leverkusen
Nathan Tella is starring for Bayer Leverkusen after he was dropped from the Super Eagles AFCON 2023 party.
06:58 - 03.02.2024
Chelsea's Mudryk courted by Bayern Munich during January transfer window
Bavarian giants Bayern Munich were said to have eyed Chelsea's Mhykhailo Mudryk.
23:19 - 30.01.2024
Online scammers pose as Xabi Alonso seeking donations from Liverpool fans
Officials have been forced to issue a warning to Liverpool fans after scammers posed as ex-Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso to collect money to facilitate a move to replace Jurgen Klopp the Merseyside club as manager
18:09 - 29.01.2024
FOOTBALL Bayern Munich snap up Sichenje & Meja's AIK teammate
The Bundesliga giants have secured a rising star from Swedish club, AIK amid interest from top European clubs.
17:50 - 29.01.2024
Walker's Bombshell: I almost left Man City for Bayern amid baby scandal
In a candid revelation, Manchester City's star defender Kyle Walker opened up about his near-transfer to Bayern Munich, a move driven by personal turmoil rather than professional aspirations.
10:53 - 27.01.2024
Tuchel, Xavi and the 5 coaches whose jobs are in danger when Klopp leaves Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool would have put a number of clubs on high alert, leaving several top managers fearing for their jobs
19:19 - 26.01.2024
Xabi Alonso Remains Focused on Leverkusen Amid Liverpool Job Speculation
Xabi Alonso, currently at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, has been the subject of intense speculation linking him to the Liverpool manager position following Jurgen Klopp's recent announcement about his departure from the club.
13:12 - 26.01.2024
Jurgen Klopp: Boniface's Alonso now favourite to take over at Liverpool
Victor Boniface's manager Xabi Alonso odds-on for vacant Liverpool job following Jurgen Klopp expected departure.
01:51 - 26.01.2024
Boniface, Sesko and the 5 stars Napoli want to replace Osimhen
Napoli have reportedly identified five players to replace Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, who has been linked with a summer move to the Premier League with either Arsenal or Chelsea