Leverkusen advanced to the Europa League quarterfinals after securing a narrow victory against PSV Eindhoven, despite a significant shift in momentum during the second half. The German club prevailed following a 2-1 aggregate scoreline, built on their initial 3-2 win in the first leg.The match saw Leverkusen falter after establishing an early advantage,relinquishing control of possession and appearing unsettled both offensively and defensively. Eindhoven dominated the second half, ultimately holding approximately 65 percent of the ball and nearly equalizing in stoppage time when a low shot from grimaldo was saved by goalkeeper Kovář.Leverkusen’s next challenge comes on Saturday, when they host Union Berlin at the BayArena, wiht kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time. Live updates will be available via Sportschau.de’s live ticker. This Bundesliga fixture represents a crucial continuation of Leverkusen’s season as they simultaneously compete in European competition.
Bayer Leverkusen
Title: Borussia Mönchengladbach Earns Point with Late Tabakovic Goal
Borussia Mönchengladbach salvaged a point against Bayer Leverkusen with a 1-0 victory secured by a 70th-minute goal from Gladbach-im-Liveticker-Tillman-bricht-den-Bann-fuer-Bayer.html” title=”… – … im Liveticker: Tillman bricht den Bann … – WELT”>Tillman, halting Leverkusen’s momentum and offering redemption for the Foals following a recent 4-0 defeat against Bremen. The match, played on September 21, 2025, saw a strategic shift from both managers, with Kasper Hjulmand‘s substitution of Poku in the 63rd minute proving pivotal.
The draw marks a significant moment for Bayer Leverkusen, as it was the first time in club history they fielded a starting eleven comprised entirely of international players. Despite dominating possession, Leverkusen struggled to break down Gladbach’s newly implemented 3-4-2-1 formation.Gladbach’s polanski responded to the Bremen loss with four changes to the starting lineup,introducing Stöger,Scally,and new signings Castrop and Engelhardt – the latter two making their bundesliga debuts.Early in the match, a potential goal from Castrop was disallowed for offsides following a through-ball from Scally (23′). The roles reversed shortly before halftime,with Scally denied by Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Flekken (40’). Schick missed a key opportunity for Leverkusen with a header in the 9th minute.
Tillman’s winning goal came after a right-sided cross from Poku, initially missed by Schick, but ultimately converted by the 35-million-euro signing – his second goal of the season. The final score reflects a fair result,ending Leverkusen’s winning streak and providing a much-needed boost for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Title: Borussia Mönchengladbach Fires Coach After Bundesliga Loss
Borussia Mönchengladbach Sacks Coach Gerardo Seoane After Dismal Start to Bundesliga Season
Mönchengladbach - Borussia Mönchengladbach has dismissed head coach Gerardo Seoane following a string of poor results, culminating in a 0-4 defeat to Werder Bremen last weekend. The loss leaves the team in 16th place in the Bundesliga, the relegation zone, with only one point from three matches.
The firing comes amid a ten-game Bundesliga winless streak dating back to last season, where Mönchengladbach finished 10th after a late-season collapse. The team’s defensive struggles, highlighted by a porous backline featuring players like Kevin Diks, contributed considerably to the decision. Furthermore, Mönchengladbach and Hamburg are the only Bundesliga teams yet to score from open play after three matchdays.
“After carefully reviewing the start of this season, we concluded that there was a need for changes in the position of the head coach,” stated Gladbach Sports Director Roland Virkus on the official Bundesliga website. “After 10 Bundesliga matches without victory, in two seasons, we were not sure Gerardo could change the situation.”
Eugen polanski, coach of the reserve team, will serve as interim manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Mönchengladbach’s next match is a home fixture against Bayer leverkusen this weekend. They previously secured a narrow victory against fifth-division side Atlas Delmenhorst in the DFB Pokal to begin the season.
Bundesliga‘s Missed Millions: Are German Clubs Failing to Spot Future Stars?
Frankfurt,Germany – A wave of recent blockbuster transfers involving former Bundesliga players is prompting a critical examination of talent identification and development within the German league.Players who once struggled to establish themselves in Germany are now commanding record-breaking fees in the Premier League, leaving Bundesliga clubs and their management facing questions about missed opportunities and potentially flawed evaluation processes.
The cases of Alexander Isak and Omar Marmoush exemplify a growing trend: notable talent departing Germany for modest sums, only to flourish elsewhere and generate massive profits for their new clubs. This raises concerns about whether Bundesliga managers are adequately recognizing potential, providing sufficient support, or demonstrating the patience needed to nurture developing players in an increasingly competitive global market. The financial implications are substantial, with hundreds of millions of euros in potential revenue slipping through the fingers of German clubs.
The Alexander Isak Story: Borussia dortmund initially acquired Isak from Sweden for €8 million, but he failed to promptly impact the first team. Following a loan spell in the Netherlands and just five Bundesliga appearances,he was sold to Real Sociedad. Now, Isak has completed a move to Liverpool for a Premier League record fee of €150 million.
The Omar Marmoush Trajectory: Marmoush’s path is equally striking. Arriving in Germany with Wolfsburg from Egypt, he experienced loan stints at St. Pauli and Stuttgart before joining Frankfurt on a free transfer. A January transfer to Manchester City followed, netting a reported €75 million.
These examples aren’t isolated incidents.they fuel a broader debate: are Bundesliga clubs overlooking hidden gems, lacking the foresight to invest in long-term development, or simply too fast to move on from players who don’t deliver immediate results? With the escalating financial stakes in modern football, the consequences of such miscalculations are becoming increasingly severe, potentially hindering the Bundesliga’s ability to compete with the financial powerhouses of the Premier League and other top European leagues. The question now is whether Bundesliga clubs will adapt their strategies to better identify and cultivate talent, or continue to watch potential superstars thrive – and generate massive profits – elsewhere.
Xabi Alonso’s Journey to Real Madrid: From Infant to Bernabéu
Xabi Alonso‘s Strategic Ascent: From Midfield Maestro to Real Madrid Manager
Table of Contents
- Xabi Alonso’s Strategic Ascent: From Midfield Maestro to Real Madrid Manager
- From Player to Potential Coach: A Late Realization
- Early Coaching roles and Rapid Progression
- A Return to Madrid: Fulfilling a Destiny
- The Influence of Mentors
- Developing a Distinctive Coaching Style
- A pedigree of Mentorship
- Key Moments in Alonso’s Coaching Journey
- Preparing for the Challenge at Real Madrid
madrid, spain - Xabi Alonso officially begins his tenure as manager of Real Madrid this Tuesday, facing Osasuna at La Castellana. This marks a pivotal moment for the 43-year-old Tolosarra,capping a remarkably swift transition from celebrated player to highly sought-after coach.
From Player to Potential Coach: A Late Realization
During his final season as a player with Bayern Munich in 2017, Alonso was questioned about his future plans. He candidly admitted that a career in coaching hadn’t crossed his mind, initially leaning towards a role in sports direction or club administration. However, just a year later, he embarked on his coaching journey with Real Madrid’s youth setup.
Early Coaching roles and Rapid Progression
Alonso’s coaching career began with the Infantil team at Real Madrid. He quickly demonstrated an aptitude for the role, leading to a position with Real Sociedad’s B team. His success ther paved the way for a move to Bayer Leverkusen, where he guided the club to a historic Bundesliga title in 2024.
Did You Know?
Alonso’s Leverkusen team ended Bayern Munich’s decade-long reign as Bundesliga champions, a feat widely celebrated as a tactical masterclass.
A Return to Madrid: Fulfilling a Destiny
Despite initially stating he wasn’t in a rush to manage Real Madrid, Alonso’s ambition to lead the prestigious club ultimately prevailed. His appointment signals a new era for Los blancos, with expectations high for immediate advancement. The start of the La Liga season against Osasuna represents a crucial first step in this new chapter.
The Influence of Mentors
Alonso’s coaching philosophy is a synthesis of lessons learned from a distinguished array of managers throughout his playing career. He cites the influence of Imanol Sheriff, who instilled a deep understanding of player dedication, and his own ability to simplify complex tactical concepts. Ekaitz Jiménez, a former player under Alonso at Real B, recalls, “He explained things very simply, you looked a little foolish, and then on the field, you felt far superior to the opponent.”
Developing a Distinctive Coaching Style
Ander Gorostidi, another former player, emphasized Alonso’s ability to convey his vision with unwavering conviction. “What he said was gospel,” Gorostidi stated, highlighting the trust Alonso inspired in his players. This ability to communicate effectively and instill confidence appears to be a cornerstone of his coaching approach.
A pedigree of Mentorship
Alonso’s playing career saw him mentored by a remarkable succession of managers, including Javier clemente, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, and Vicente del Bosque. This diverse range of influences has shaped his tactical understanding and leadership style.
Pro tip:
Analyzing the managerial lineages of successful coaches frequently enough reveals patterns of tactical innovation and leadership qualities.

Key Moments in Alonso’s Coaching Journey
| Year | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | Real Madrid | Youth Coach (Infantil A) |
| 2019-2022 | Real Sociedad B | Head Coach |
| 2022-2025 | Bayer Leverkusen | Head Coach |
| 2025-Present | Real Madrid | head Coach |
Preparing for the Challenge at Real Madrid
Alonso has assembled a strong backroom staff, including assistant Sebas Parrilla and physical trainer Ismael Camenforte. He is known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail, qualities that will be crucial as he seeks to refine Real Madrid’s playing style. What are your expectations for Alonso’s first season with Real Madrid?
His focus will likely be on strengthening the midfield, a perceived weakness in the current squad. Alonso’s emphasis on ball possession and tactical flexibility suggests a desire to implement a proactive and dynamic approach to the game. Do you think Alonso can replicate his success at Leverkusen with the star-studded roster at Real Madrid?
Xabi alonso’s rise represents a broader trend in modern football: the increasing prominence of tactically astute, player-centric coaches. His success at Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated the power of a clear tactical vision combined with strong player relationships. This approach aligns with contemporary coaching philosophies that prioritize adaptability and individual player progress.The long-term impact of Alonso’s tenure at Real Madrid will likely extend beyond on-field results, perhaps influencing the future of coaching education and tactical innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Xabi Alonso
- What is Xabi Alonso’s coaching philosophy? Alonso emphasizes ball possession, tactical flexibility, and a strong connection with his players.
- What teams has xabi Alonso managed? He has managed Real Madrid’s youth teams, Real Sociedad B, and Bayer Leverkusen before joining Real Madrid.
- What were Alonso’s key achievements at Bayer Leverkusen? He led Bayer Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024.
- Who were some of Xabi Alonso’s mentors as a player? He was mentored by renowned managers such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
- What are the expectations for Alonso at Real Madrid? Expectations are high for Alonso to improve Real Madrid’s performance and implement a modern, attacking style of play.
We’re excited to follow Xabi Alonso’s journey at Real Madrid. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more in-depth coverage of the world of football!
Chelsea Dominates Bayer Leverkusen in Pre-Season Friendly, Maresca Praises Team’s Intensity
London, England – Chelsea showcased a commanding performance, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in a pre-season friendly match held at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Goals from new signings Estevao and Joao Pedro sealed the victory for the Blues, signaling a strong start to their preparations for the 2025-2026 Premier League season.
The match marked Chelsea’s first summer pre-season fixture, arriving later than some competitors due to the team’s participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they finished as runners-up to Manchester City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 22, 2024. Training sessions were only initiated earlier this week,making the performance even more remarkable.
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Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca expressed his satisfaction with the team’s display, especially considering the limited training time. “Very happy with the team’s performance, especially after three or four days of training. Its great to be able to start again,” Maresca stated in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. He highlighted the team’s seamless transition, adding, “We started as if we never ended last season.”
The arrival of estevao, a 17-year-old Brazilian winger from Palmeiras for a reported fee of £58 million, and Joao Pedro, a 22-year-old forward from Watford for £30 million, has injected fresh energy into the Chelsea squad. both players made immediate impacts, demonstrating their potential to become key contributors this season. The match also saw significant playing time for returning stars like Cole Palmer and Reece James.
Looking ahead,Chelsea will face AC Milan in a second pre-season friendly at stamford Bridge on Sunday,August 10,2025,with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM BST. The Blues will then begin their Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM BST. Tickets for the Palace match are currently available on the Chelsea FC website, with prices ranging from £35 to £85.
Key Takeaways:
- Chelsea’s victory signals a strong start to their pre-season preparations.
- New signings Estevao and Joao Pedro impressed in their debut appearances.
- Enzo Maresca praised the team’s intensity and seamless transition.
- Chelsea’s Premier League season begins on August 17th against Crystal Palace.
Source: Adapted from reports by Det