Soccer-After Champions League exit, Leverkusen refocus on league and Cup

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich - BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - March 11, 2025 Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso applauds fans after losing the match REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso said on Friday their away league game at VfB Stuttgart on Sunday was a much-needed challenge straight after their midweek Champions League exit to Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen lost 2-0 at home to Bayern on Tuesday for a 5-0 aggregate defeat in the Champions League last 16. They also suffered a shock home loss to Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga last week to make it three defeats in a row across all competitions.