BL duel on Sunday

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Xabi Alonso (l.) and Edin Terzic during their last encounter(Bild: APA/AFP/INA FASSBENDER)

Next Sunday, Xabi Alonso will travel to Dortmund for the first time as German champion to face his colleague Edin Terzic. The last time the two faced each other, the BVB coach did not leave the best impression on the Spaniard.

Background: After the first leg at the beginning of March (1:1), Terzic claimed that Leverkusen were facing a tough time due to the upcoming Africa Cup. Consequently, everything was still open and Dortmund could still make up the ten-point deficit.

Weakened by the Africa Cup?
Statements that are said not to have gone down well with Alonso. As reported by the German newspaper "Sportbild", the 42-year-old is said to have expressed his anger at the Dortmund coach to confidants. However, the scenario predicted by Terzic failed to materialize. Even without the missing stars such as Edmond Tapsoba or Victor Boniface, the "Werkself" remained consistent.

And that until the end. Against Werder Bremen last Sunday, Leverkusen were crowned German champions for the first time in the club's history. Since then, their lead over Dortmund in fifth place has grown to 23 points - so careless statements can be forgiven. All good again between Alonso and Terzic? We'll find out on Sunday ...