'A big response'

Both Leverkusen and Bayern crashed back to earth in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Leverkusen lost 2-0 at home to a Werder Bremen side that had won just one of 10 games in 2025.

Bayern went down 3-2 at home to relegation-threatened Bochum, the visitor's first win in Munich since 1991.

A win for Alonso's side would have brought it to within five points of league leader Bayern, striking a mental blow before Tuesday's second leg.

A frustrated Alonso lamented his side's bad day against Bremen, something which has been rare since the 43-year-old's arrival.

"After the big defeat in Munich, we wanted to be fresh today. It didn't work," he said after Saturday's loss.

"Nothing worked today. Not on the wing, not in the center. I'm responsible for that."

Bayern striker Harry Kane promised a reaction against Leverkusen after his side's shock defeat.

"It's a chance to show a response," the England captain told reporters. "Whenever we've lost this season, we've gone into the next game with fire in our belly.

"Leverkusen have lost two in a row, and they'll try and have a big response at home. We need to be ready for that."

AFP