Xabi Alonso

In the highly anticipated Europa League semi-final clash between Bayer Leverkusen and Roma, Xabi Alonso has promised a tactical surprise that deviates from the team’s approach last season. The Spaniard, who guided Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title in a remarkable unbeaten campaign, has vowed to unveil a new style of play against the Giallorossi. The most striking element of Alonso’s game plan is the decision to field Amine Adli as a ‘False 9’, leaving prolific strikers Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick on the bench.

In a pulsating Bundesliga encounter on Sunday, newly-crowned champions Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated their championship mettle by salvaging a dramatic 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund in the dying moments at Signal Iduna Park. Dortmund appeared set to inflict Leverkusen’s first defeat of the season when Niclas Fullkrug volleyed them ahead in the 81st minute. The German striker met Marcel Sabitzer’s deft pass with a crisp left-footed strike that flew past the despairing dive of Lukas Hradecky.