Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was caught by surprise when the news broke that Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala had renewed his contract until 2030 on the eve of the two teams' big Bundesliga topper on Saturday.

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.

Bayer Leverkusen, led by coach Xabi Alonso, seeks to cement its place among Europe's soccer elite following an outstanding season. With key players retained, Leverkusen aims for consistent top-four finishes and Champions League qualification,

Xabi Alonso eqaulled the all-time coach record for the longest unbeaten run in away games in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Leverkusen – who started with star midfielder Florian Wirtz on the bench after needing extra time to beat Koln in the DFB-Pokal earlier this week – were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Wolfsbur

Saturday's Bundesliga big game between leaders Bayern Munich and champions Bayer Leverkusen is not a title-deciding game even though the latter are eight points behind the Bavarians, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said on Friday.

With Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen side trailing Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich by eight points, the Leverkusen Head Coach tried to play down the hype on Friday ahead of an enthralling