The post-match press conference between Dortmund and Leverkusen was canceled due to an emergency alert from the organizers.
Xabi Alonso’s press meeting was called off after the emergency alert was triggered, and fans were instructed to evacuate the stadium.
“Please note, dear guests! Due to a technical malfunction, we request that you exit the building by the shortest possible route. Please remain calm,” the announcement stated.
The alarm began sounding approximately 40 minutes after the match concluded, and the press room was promptly cleared and closed.
Instead, Alonso and Dortmund coach, Edin Terzic, spoke to the press in the mixed zone area of the stadium. Niclas Fulkrug initially put the home team ahead, but Alonso’s team managed a dramatic equalizer in the 97th minute through Josip Stanisic.
The draw ensured Leverkusen continued their season-long unbeaten streak across all competitions, marking 45 games without a loss under Alonso’s guidance.
After the game, Dortmund’s star, Gregor Kobel, expressed disappointment as his team squandered a vital win to stay in the race for a Champions League spot. They are currently fifth in the Bundesliga standings, trailing fourth-place RB Leipzig by two points.
“It’s frustrating because it needn’t have happened. We should have cleared things up earlier or just cleared the ball and let the final moments pass,” said Gregor Kobel.
Once again, Alonso witnessed his team scoring a late goal, and he sprinted down the touchline in celebration, admitting his exhilaration.
“It feels incredible. The explosion of the moment is even more intense than last week because we came here with the intention of playing a good game to try and compete. Even as champions, we came here to deliver our best football. It feels unjust to lose because we played so well,” Alonso told ESPN.
“I think the performance of the whole team, the mentality, the focus, thoroughly deserved the three points. That’s why when we scored that goal, I couldn’t believe it. Again, it was worth sharing with the players and our fans.”
Leverkusen will continue their unbeaten run with their next opponent being Stuttgart. After this match, Leverkusen will return to the Europa League to secure a spot in the final against Roma.