Alonso hails 'world-class' Wirtz despite Leipzig frustration

Xabi Alonso lauded the "world-class" aspects of Florian Wirtz, despite Bayer Leverkusen collapsing to a 2-2 draw with RB Leipzig on Saturday.

The Bundesliga champions surged into a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Patrik Schick and Aleix Garcia at the Red Bull Arena.

However, David Raum pulled one back in the first half before Edmond Tapsoba's late own goal completed an impressive turnaround for Leipzig.

The draw left Leverkusen in second, six points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich, but Alonso opted to focus on the positives of the away performance.

"He [Wirtz] had four, five world-class moves," the Leverkusen head coach said at his post-match press conference. "It is a pleasure to see him play and help him.

"The result could be better as well as worse. We had our chances to score a third goal. We could have killed off the game.

"It is a pity but it is tough to come here after our game in Madrid. We need to keep going."

Leverkusen are still unbeaten in 17 matches this campaign, however, that includes six draws which have handed Bayern the advantage in the title race.

Alonso acknowledged his side must improve at defending leads if they are to successfully reclaim their top-flight crown in the 2024-25 season.

"We wanted to keep the lead, that's something we have to work on," the Spaniard added. "But I also have to say that Leipzig fought for the point."

Leverkusen were left to rue a lack of composure in front of goal from Piero Hincapie, Wirtz, and Exequiel Palacios in the second half.

Indeed, Alonso's side accumulated a massive 2.55 expected goals (xG) to Leipzig's 0.73, suggesting the away side should have triumphed based on the quality of their chances in comparison.

"We weren't effective enough up front in the second half," Schick admitted. "On the other hand, Leipzig also played well.

"Not many teams win here. We were compact, we played well. But unfortunately it wasn't enough to win."