Alonso does not fear the end of his team's undefeated streak.

 Alonso does not fear the end of his team's undefeated streak.

Bayer Leverkusen, the German football league leaders, came within a whisker of the end of their unbeaten run in all competitions this season last night. Still, their Spanish coach, Xabi Alonso, said he doesn't feel any fear of the possibility of suffering their first defeat of the season.

 

 

 

Alonso emphasized that his greater concern lies in his team's reaction when facing defeat.

 

Leverkusen extended their unbeaten streak this season to 35 consecutive matches after their player Patrick Schick scored the equalizer in the 92nd minute to end the match against Azerbaijani host Qarabag in a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League round of 16 last night.

 

The German team was trailing 2-0 before a comeback led by midfielder Florian Wirtz began 20 minutes before the end of the match.

 

Responding to a question about how close his team is to tasting their first defeat of the season, Alonso said, "Honestly, I'm not very afraid of the first defeat. It can happen. This is football... I'm not worried about it."

 

He added, "What's more important for me is the momentum. The atmosphere and energy in the team's corridors are good, and I hope things stay as they are when defeat happens."

 

The return leg between the two teams will be held at Leverkusen's ground on March 14th.

 

Leverkusen leads the Bundesliga, ahead by 10 points of their closest pursuer Bayern Munich, with the last 10 rounds of the season remaining, and will face their guest Wolfsburg next Sunday.