Bayer Leverkusen-Coach Xabi Alonso greeted the 4-1 victory on his side at Eintracht Frankfurt as the ideal adjustment for the dominant Champions League Last-16-Showdown of next week with title rivals Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen scored three goals in the room of seven first half minutes on Saturday.
The opener of Nathan Tella was succeeded by efforts of Nordi Mukiele and Patrik Schick.
Hugo Ekitike pulled one back for third place, but Aleix Garcia brought the game to bed halfway through the second half.
Bayern defeated Stuttgart on Friday, which means that nine points separate the title rivals at the top of the Bundesliga before the couple goes against each other for a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
“I am very happy, very proud,” Alonso told reporters.
“From the beginning we showed that we were fully focused, both in every action, both with and without the ball.
“A complete performance with a great score. The perfect preparation for Wednesday evening in the Champions League.
He knows how to win. §#sgeb04 pic.twitter.com/kmtj6krlmmmm
– Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@Bayer04_en) 2 March 2025
“I am very satisfied, especially with the way we played – at a rapid pace and with good control over the ball in the first 35 minutes – against a direct rival such as Eintracht. It is always difficult to play against them.
“We are ready for the next challenge – in Munich, against the best team in Germany. We will see it. We are in a good time and we will give everything,” he said.
“Are we favorites? We are not foolish. We play against Bayern. We have to show them a lot of respect.”
Under Alonso, Leverkusen are unbeaten in their six games against Bayern in all matches (W3 D3).
They held a clean slate in three of their last four against Bayern, after they had not against them in advance in their previous 15 games (admitted 42 goals in those 15 games).
Wednesday's collision will be the first meeting between Bayern and Leverkusen in a major European competition.
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