Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso believes his side can improve on their performance despite securing a 1-0 win over Heidenheim on Saturday.
Substitute Emiliano Buendia scored a stoppage time winner, as the reigning league champions bounced back from the midweek’s shock elimination at the hands of third division side Arminia Bielefeld in the German cup semifinals.
After enduring a series of poor performances in the past month including their UCL round of 16 exit to rivals Bayern Munich, Die Werkself got their title challenge back on track with the important win which kept them on the heels on the league leaders.
Speaking in a post match interview, Xabi Alonso was happy with the full time result, but believes his players must do better if they are to retain their league crown.
“After Tuesday (cup exit), we wanted to celebrate something. And, we can now celebrate the three points. In our situation, it’s important to win today. And, sometimes, you can’t even ask how.
Of course, I’m happy because of the result. Our game wasn’t the best, but we were in a tough spell both mentally and physically. We now need a bit of time to recover so that we can play better football. But, in the end, we want to win”, the Spaniard added.
The hosts had the best chance of the first half, striking the crossbar from a corner as Leverkusen struggled to put a stronghold on the game.
The win see Xabi Alonso’s side close the gap between them and Bayern Munich who had defeated Ausburg 3-1 on Friday to six points, with six games left in the season.
Bayer Leverkusen will be back in action next Saturday when they host Union Berlin at the BayArena.
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