Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen visited Simeone's Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night - The Athletic was watching both men

Xabi Alonso could make up to five changes to his Bayer Leverkusen side ahead of their Champions League against Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night.Lukas Hradecky, Arthur,

Xabi Alonso's emergence as the frontrunner to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is based on his impressive managerial credentials. His success at Bayer Leverkusen, culminating in a Bundesliga title and German Cup victory,

At a press conference on Monday, Xabi Alonso was asked about the speculation and made no secret of the special relationship he has with Real Madrid, who he represented as a player. "Time passes, but the affection remains. My bond with Real is strong, that's clear, but my focus is now on Bayer Leverkusen ," Xabi Alonso said, adding:

Now, as reports heighten regarding Ancelotti’s potential departure this summer, rumours speculating Alonso as the Italian’s natural heir have also increased, especially with Leverkusen’s upcoming match against Los Blancos’ bitter rivals Atlético de Madrid.

TBR Football have also been told Chelsea watched Hincapie star for Bayer Leverkusen in a 1-0 UEFA Champions League win against AC Milan back in October. The man born in Esmeraldas can play at left-back or centre-back like Veiga, with Chelsea highly appreciative of his versatility.

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

Atlético Madrid coach Diego Simeone lauded his team after the dramatic comeback win over Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League to seal a 2-1 victory having been down to 10 men for most of the game.

Piero Hincapie had headed Bayer Leverkusen in front before he followed Atleti’s Pablo Barrios in being sent off.