DFB Cup - Alonso: "The trophy is a big goal for us"
Three days after the Bundesliga top duel with Borussia Dortmund (1:1), Bayer Leverkusen also wants to keep its chances of winning the DFB Cup alive. "The cup is a big goal for us. We have to win three more games to reach the final. It's not the easiest competition, but it's a good opportunity," said Bayer coach Xabi Alonso ahead of the game against second-division runners-up SC Paderborn on Wednesday (18:00/Sky) in the almost sold-out BayArena.
After the relatively early elimination in the last three cup competitions, the coach of the four-time finalists is not planning any major rotation. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar will move into the starting line-up, and a starting eleven nomination for the long-injured goalscorer Patrik Schick is also conceivable. "Yes, he could play from the start," said Alonso on Tuesday. The statistics clearly speak in favor of the hosts. The East Westphalians have not won any of their five competitive matches to date. In the cup, Leverkusen beat Paderborn 1:0 in the round of 16 in the 2019/20 season.
Bayer Leverkusen squad and cup matches
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- Bayer 04 Leverkusen, looking to maintain their DFB Cup aspirations, will face SC Paderborn in the almost fully sold-out BayArena on Wednesday at 18:00, broadcasted on Sky.
- Despite the 1:1 draw with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen is determined to grasp the title opportunity presented by the DFB Cup, aiming to win three more matches to reach the final.
- Xabi Alonso, the coach of Bayer Leverkusen, a four-time DFB Cup finalist, is not planning any significant rotations, with Matej Kovar set to start in goal and Patrik Schick being considered for a starting spot.
- Bayer Leverkusen has a favorable record against SC Paderborn in the cup, having defeated them 1:0 in the round of 16 during the 2019/20 season, and the North Rhine-Westphalia-based side has yet to secure a win in any of their five competitive matches.
- The DFB Cup is a significant target for Bayer Leverkusen, with Xabi Alonso stating, "The cup is a big goal for us," and the team's ambition to add another title to their storied history in German soccer.
- Following their relatively early cup eliminations in the past three competitions, Bayer Leverkusen is eager to advance in the DFB Cup, ultimately aiming to lift the trophy and bring joy to the fans at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany.
- The upcoming DFB Cup match between Bayer Leverkusen and SC Paderborn is not the only soccer event to look forward to in Germany, as Borussia Dortmund also has a major game against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the same competition.
Source: www.stern.de
