Xabi Alonso believes Bayer Leverkusen are up against one of Europe’s best in Inter Milan ahead of their meeting in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The reigning Bundesliga champions will look to inflict the first defeat on Inter’s near-perfect European record at BayArena.
Inter, whose goalless draw with Manchester City in September is the only European fixture they failed to find three points in so far this season, could strengthen their bid for automatic qualification to the knockout stages with a win.
📍💫 BayArena
🔜 #B04Inter | #UCL | #Bayer04 | #Werkself pic.twitter.com/lBwLaMq87M
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) December 9, 2024
“We’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe,” Alonso told reporters.
“It will be a big challenge and it will show us where we’re up to. We are at home, at our stadium, with our atmosphere and therefore we are very much looking forward to the match.
“We always want to get better and better and win every game. I’m glad the players also have that attitude and always want to do their best. We are on the right path and the game against Inter tomorrow is the next step.”
Bayer boast a record of three successive Bundesliga wins ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
And they will face their former midfield player Hakan Calhanoglu, who played for Bayer between 2014 and 2017.
“Inter play with great maturity and control,” Alonso added.
“They have lots of ability and follow a clear approach to the game. They have two players for nearly every position and a very big squad of high quality.
“It’s not actually about individuals but Calhanoglu is obviously a good player with great influence. He has developed really well, can read the game well and is able to play in lots of positions in midfield.”
Alonso gave a positive update on the fitness of Patrik Schick “who is on the right path and is making progress” from a calf issue he picked up in their German Cup win over Bayern Munich last week.
