LEVERKUSEN LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE

Alonso hopes his side can overturn the odds against Bayern Munich in Champions League clash

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso must channel the "Miracle of Istanbul", Liverpool's incredible comeback to win the 2005 Champions League final in which he played a key role, to overcome Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

On that day, then Liverpool midfielder Alonso scored the equalizer against AC Milan, as the Reds came from 3-0 down at halftime to draw 3-3, before winning the match on penalties.

After Bayern's 3-0 win in Munich in the first leg of the Bundesliga rival's last-16 tie, the deficit is the same for Alonso's charges heading into the return fixture.