Bayer Leverkusen head coach does not think his side were mature enough during their 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

“Players like Xabi Alonso in midfield have the capacity to read the whole game,” Simeone said then. “Alonso’s return meant Madrid found the famous ‘balance’ their coach (then Carlo Ancelotti) was looking for. But the balance is Xabi Alonso, not the others.”

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso lamented his side's failure to hold onto a first-half lead at 10-man Atletico Madrid, who fought back to beat them 2-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, saying his side lacked the maturity to cope with the pressure.

Victor Boniface is reportedly set to become one of the highest-paid players at Bayer Leverkusen as the German club kickstarts negotiations for a new deal.

Alonso's side are fourth in the new 36-team table, and know a win on Tuesday will put them in a strong position of qualifying automatically for the knockout stages.

Bayer Leverkusen need to be ruthless to win at Atletico Madrid and edge closer to a direct spot in the Champions League last 16, manager Xabi Alonso said ahead of Tuesday's clash.

Could Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen repeat the chaotic classic that was their last encounter?Say what you will about the new Champions League format, it has served up a number of mouthwatering

Piero Hincapie had put Leverkusen a goal up in the first half, following Pablo Barrios' red card for Atleti, which had looked like it put the visitors on course for victory

Diego Simeone praises Atletico Madrids comeback victory over Bayer Leverkusen, highlighting key moments and team spirit in the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has claimed that their 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday will live in the memory of spectators. Piero Hincapie had put Leverkusen a goal up in the first half,

The European champions have not had it all their own way in 2024-25 and they have work to do to advance to the Champions League knockouts