Hey there, sports fan! You're interested in the DFB Cup, right? Let's talk about Bayer Leverkusen, the team which seems to be maintaining their hopes high in the face of some big-time Bundesliga exits. Xabi Alonso, the experienced midfielder, doesn't underestimate any opponent. He mentioned St. Pauli, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Hertha among the potential threats still in the competition.
Although record winners FC Bayern and defending champions RB Leipzig have fallen, Leverkusen has managed to hold their ground. And they've got a reason to stay focused. During their round 16 victory, they faced second-division runners-up SC Paderborn – and they were merely one goal ahead going into halftime! As coach Lukas Kwasniok pointed out, keeping the game open was their aim.
But Leverkusen could soon face challenges in the form of several players joining the Africa Cup for a month. Goal scorer Victor Boniface, set defenders Odilon Kossounou and Edmond Tapsoba, as well as Nathan Tella and Amine Adli, could be missing for a while, making things a bit tougher for the team. But let's not forget, Bayern loanee Josip Stanisic is eager to experience the DFB Cup final in Berlin – but he warned about the importance of remaining focused, no matter who they face.
Now, if you're thinking that's all there is in this competition – take a step back and think again! Stutgart and Gladbach are also in the mix. Add RB Leipzig and Werder Bremen, and Wolfsburg and Augsburg too – and you've got quite a lineup for the quarter-finals!
Alonso even mentioned Bayern Munich as a formidable force. Despite drawing 0-0 in their recent match, Leverkusen nearly pulled off a perfect performance according to Alonso, but they're still facing an eight-point gap in the Bundesliga.
So, there you have it! Plenty of game left in the DFB Cup, and Leverkusen will have to stay sharp to make it all the way! Stay tuned for more updates on your favorite teams, and don't forget to keep cheering!
