Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella is a doubt for their Bundesliga game at strugglers Holstein Kiel this weekend, coach Xabi Alonso said on Friday, with the reigning champions desperate to close the gap to leaders Bayern Munich.

Bundesliga fans and German “tactic heads” looked forward to this match with great anticipation, and it turned out to be an intense tactical affair indeed. Defending Bundesliga champions Bayer 04

That's the question facing Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to prove they belong among European soccer's top teams after ending Bayern Munich's 11-year reign in the German league last season.

Xabi Alonso sank to his knees, leaned back and put both hands over his face when his Bayer Leverkusen side failed to score again.

Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all found out who they would face in the round of 16 of the Champions League today. Let’s analyse the ties: Bayer Leverkusen vs Bayern

They remain eight points behind Bundesliga Bayern Munich with 12 games left after goal-less home draw. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The champions took control from the start and twice hit the woodwork midway through the first half, giving the visitors little breathing space with their high pressing game

Throughout his career, Xabi Alonso has played for some top European clubs, including Bayern Munich. He has also represented Liverpool and Real Madrid and is now

LEVERKUSEN – Asked if coach Xabi Alonso could one day be commemorated outside Bayer Leverkusen’s BayArena home, club chief executive Fernando Carro said that “after last year, it’s already enough for a statue”.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was not willing to concede the title despite Saturday's 0-0 home draw with Bayern Munich which leaves them eight points behind the league leaders.

LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AP) — How do you follow up an historic upset? That's the question facing Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen as they seek to prove they belong among European soccer's top teams ...