Germany: Bundesliga
FT
5 - 1
(1 - 1)
Leverkusen
Darmstadt
V. Boniface (21), E. Palacios (49), V. Boniface (61), J. Hofmann (67), A. Hložek (83)
O. Vilhelmsson (24)
By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Alonso on Leverkusen's 5-1 win: "It wasn't easy for us"

Speaking after Bayer Leverkusen's 5-1 win over Darmstadt, Werkself coach Xabi Alonso said he felt the scoreline flattered his side.
Article image
Photo: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen defeated Darmstadt by a comfortable margin on Saturday, winning 5-1 at home against the Bundesliga newcomers.

Despite this, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso didn't think it was an easy game for his team.

"It wasn't easy for us, 5-1 is a big difference, but it wasn't easy on the pitch," Alonso said in a post-match interview.

"Darmstadt defended well in the first half, there was not much space, we wanted to be patient. Palacios' goal to make it 2-1 was very fortunate, after that it got easier.

"It was important for the team, for Boniface, for Jonas [Hofmann] and for me. We want to build on that, but also stay focused.

Leading the Bundesliga on goal difference ahead of Bayern, Bayer Leverkusen kick off matchday 4 with a crunch clash against the German champions at the Allianz Arena on Friday, September 15.

"We are in a good phase, 3 wins after 3 games. But the next game at the Allianz Arena is a big challenge for us. We have good energy and confidence. We'll see," said Alonso.
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