Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has revealed that he sees his side’s DFB-Pokal showdown with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena as “a final.”
Currently the defending champions, Alonso’s Leverkusen, who also displaced Bayern as Bundesliga champions last season, will face the Bavarians in the last 16 on Tuesday.
While Leverkusen have struggled to replicate their flawless domestic form from last season, they have suffered just one league defeat.
They currently trail league leaders Bayern by seven points. Bayern, meanwhile, salvaged a 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, with Jamal Musiala netting a late equalizer.
“The cup is one game and anything can happen,” Alonso said on Monday.
“Tomorrow is like a final for us. There is no tougher game than a game at the Allianz Arena.
“Normally if Bayern play at the Allianz Arena in the Bundesliga, the Champions League or the DFB-Pokal they are always the favourites.
“It is the biggest challenge. Almost a final.”
Leverkusen will be without their key striker Victor Boniface, however, Alonso expressed his satisfaction with forward Patrik Schick’s form.
The Czech international scored the decisive goal against Union Berlin on Saturday, following a hat-trick against Heidenheim the previous week.
Schick also found the net during Leverkusen’s dominant 5-0 victory over Salzburg in the Champions League midweek.
“Patrik is in a top moment,” Alonso said.
“He not only scores, but does a lot of other things right, also against Union Berlin in an intense game against a tough defence. I am happy he is having this good feeling.”
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