Bayer Leverkusen's victory in the top Bundesliga game: "Xabi Alonso smashes Bayern"

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Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso (2nd from right) among his players

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Thilo Schmuelgen / REUTERS

Bayer Leverkusen took a big step closer to the first German championship title in their club history after winning the top game against Bayern Munich. Coach Xabi Alonso's team won the home game against the record champions 3-0 (1-0) and increased the lead over their only serious pursuers to five points. The press reviews at a glance.

ENGLAND

»The Guardian«:

»This was not just a defeat, but a humiliation, not just three crucial points in the title race, but an attack on Bayern's identity. Bayern were outclassed by the faster, hungrier and more creative Bayer Leverkusen team. Thomas Tuchel was outwitted by Xabi Alonso, who cemented his status as football's most promising young coach with dizzyingly imaginative selection, cute tactical flourishes and shrewd use of the bench."

»Daily Mail«:

»More pain for Kane. With his head bowed and his hands on his hips, Harry Kane was left in that familiar, shocked pose after his defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. “One has to fear that history will repeat itself for the £100 million man from Bayern Munich.”

»Mirror«:

»If Xabi Alonso can finally get rid of the cruel “Neverkusen” title with Bayer, it may lead him back to Anfield. After the overwhelming 3-0 humiliation of German champions Bayern Munich, Liverpool bosses must waste no time in negotiating a deal.

SPAIN

»Marca«:

»Nothing can stop Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen. Not even Bayern Munich. The students of the man from Tolosa really hit the table with the 3-0 win in the game of the year in the Bundesliga.

»AS«:

»Xabi Alonso smashes Bayern. The Spanish coach’s Leverkusen team are pulling away from the champions.”

»Mundo Deportivo«:

»Xabi Alonso dances with Tuchel and Bayer Leverkusen takes a huge bite out of Bayern Munich. The lead of the team that made the entire BayArena vibrate is now five points.«

FRANCE

»L'Equipe«:

»Bayer Leverkusen hits hard, clearly beats Bayern Munich and increases the gap at the top.«

»Le Monde«:

»Leverkusen outclasses Bayern and extends its lead at the top of the table. Xabi Alonso’s men continue to impress.”

ITALY

»Gazzetta dello Sport«:

»Hurricane Leverkusen! Xabi Alonso tears Bayern apart and flies away to five points.

»Corriere dello Sport«:

»Leverkusen overwhelms Bayern Munich and goes on the run in the Bundesliga.«

»Tuttosport«:

»Bayern frenzy! Sane smashes the camera, Müller lets off steam and Tuchel protests against the regulations in the Bundesliga. Frustration after the knockout in the big game against Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen player.

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