Sometimes you wonder whether Alejandro Grimaldo trains his free kicks, or if the ball simply obeys out of sheer respect for his foot. What the Spaniard pulled off in the 1-0 win against Mainz 05 from 18 meters out on the right was nothing short of a masterpiece. A perfectly struck ball, curled into the top corner, straight into our fan hearts. With that, Bayer 04 Leverkusen closed out the first half of the season in style, continuing their incredible run of form. Ten competitive wins in a row. Ten! It might be time to ask Xabi Alonso how he manages to blend patience, tactics, and wizardry so seamlessly.
But let’s break it down: the match itself wasn’t a spectacle, at least not on paper. Mainz came out boldly, but ultimately, they were suffocated by Bayer’s overwhelming dominance. Without Jonathan Tah (out sick) and with Granit Xhaka wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, Leverkusen set the tone from the start. Still, it felt like a chess match, where Mainz tried to delay Bayer’s moves but always remained one step behind. If goals were chess moves, Bayer should’ve had checkmate by halftime. Instead, they needed one moment of brilliance—and that moment was Grimaldo’s free kick.
Mainz’s game plan was clear: disrupt Bayer’s rhythm with constant fouls. It worked, to an extent. Stefan Bell managed a shot, and goalkeeper Robin Zentner had more to do than he probably anticipated. But let’s be honest: it was only a matter of time before Leverkusen rewarded themselves for their dominance. Then came the 48th minute. A moment that left the packed BayArena collectively holding its breath. Grimaldo, this artist in the black and red shirt, showed us all how to take a free kick—not just shoot it, but craft it, stage it, make it unforgettable. A dream goal worth more than three points—it was a statement.
Of course, it would have been typical Bayer to double or triple the lead to put the game to bed. They had the chances: Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both gave us glimpses of what could have been. But this time, the Werkself chose the pragmatic route: solid at the back, minimalist up front. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with a clean, professional 1-0 win, as long as the three points are in the bag. Special mention goes to Matej Kovar, the man in goal, who made his case for a starting spot with a series of impressive saves. A quiet but confident debut.
It wasn’t just Grimaldo who had reason to celebrate. Granit Xhaka, in his 50th Bundesliga appearance for Bayer, led the team to victory as captain. And Piero Hincapie, not to be outdone, reached 100 appearances for the Werkself—a milestone that speaks volumes at his age. These milestones, along with the win, perfectly capture the current mood around the club: buoyant and confident.
With this victory, Bayer keeps chasing Bayern at the top of the table. And with the next home match against Borussia Mönchengladbach looming, the excitement keeps building. The season is heating up, the fans are dreaming, and as the ball keeps rolling, one mantra seems to define this team: patience pays off. Grimaldo proved that in stunning fashion.
The title race? Let’s talk about that later. But one thing is clear: this Werkself isn’t just talented—they’re determined to push their limits. If they keep this up, we’ll have plenty more magical moments like Grimaldo’s to savor as the season unfolds.
Mittwoch, 15. Januar 2025
Grimaldo, Patience, and Magic: How Bayer 04 Kicked Off the Year in Style at the BayArena
Samstag, 11. Januar 2025
Full Throttle from Second One – The Werkself Rockets into 2025
Well, who wanted a slow start to the new year? Bayer 04 certainly didn’t. While most of us were still sweeping away the remnants of New Year’s fireworks, Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick decided to put on their own pyrotechnic display at Signal Iduna Park. A 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, who hadn’t lost at home this Bundesliga season, wasn’t just a good result on paper—it was the perfect statement to kick off the new year with swagger and confidence. But honestly, at this point, are we even surprised by this team anymore?
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical significance here: Borussia Dortmund, as fortress-like at home as grandma’s Sunday roast, hadn’t lost a Friday night game at home in nearly 21 years. And then came Bayer. The Werkself showed up, played their game, and did what they’ve been doing best for months now: executing their plan, outsmarting opponents, and doing it all with a level of confidence that’s almost scary. Nathan Tella wasted no time, scoring within 30 seconds, and Patrik Schick’s double before the 19th minute sealed Dortmund’s fate. It was clear early on—this wasn’t going to be Dortmund’s night.
Sure, the BVB defense was patched together like a makeshift quilt. But that’s not our problem. If Dortmund’s backline looked shaky, it’s only natural for Bayer to exploit it. This is top-level football—mistakes get punished. And when you’re up against a player like Patrik Schick, who’s currently in god-mode form, it’s going to rain goals.
What stood out the most, though, wasn’t just the individual brilliance, but the collective maturity of the Werkself. We’re talking about a team that only had 35% possession—and still controlled the game. How, you ask? Xabi Alonso explained it perfectly after the match: control without the ball. Pressing in the right areas, smart defensive organization, and a level of discipline that makes you sit back and admire. It wasn’t always flashy, but it was ruthlessly effective. Even the late penalty that gave Dortmund their second goal couldn’t shake Bayer’s composure. This wasn’t just a display of a title-winning mentality—it was a showcase of a team that’s ready to keep climbing.
And then there’s Schick, the Czech tornado. Six goals in his last 90 league minutes, 11 goals in total this season. The man is hotter than a New Year’s Eve fondue pot. But it’s not just Schick stealing the show. Frimpong, Tella, and others are stepping up game after game. This squad has reached a depth and versatility that’s frankly intimidating. Whoever is missing gets replaced—not just adequately, but seamlessly.
This victory is more than just three points. It’s a statement. It says: “We’re here, and we’re ready.” Ready for Bayern, who are currently just one point ahead. Ready for the rest of the league, who better start bracing themselves. And ready for a season that might bring even more excitement than the last one—if that’s even possible.
What’s next? Two home games against Mainz and Gladbach in quick succession. Two opportunities to extend this incredible winning streak and tighten the gap at the top of the table. The Werkself is ready—and as fans, we better be too. If this was just the opening act, 2025 is shaping up to be one hell of a ride.
Montag, 23. Dezember 2024
Sonntag, 22. Dezember 2024
Merry Schickmas! Wrapping Up the Year in Style
Some days, you just know the football gods are in a great mood. This past Saturday was one of those days as our Werkself dismantled SC Freiburg with a glorious 5-1 win. The BayArena felt like it was already in full holiday mode. Instead of the smell of cookies, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of yet another brilliant victory in this extraordinary year.
The first half didn’t give away that we were about to witness a full-blown Schick festival. We controlled most of the game, but that last spark was still missing. Even Florian Wirtz missed a penalty—but honestly, no one seemed too worried. We just knew the breakthrough would come eventually. And then, in the dying moments of the first half, it happened. Patrik Schick lobbed the ball over Freiburg’s keeper with surgical precision, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.
The second half? Pure fireworks. Wirtz danced through defenders like a figure skater, and Schick racked up four goals as if it were the easiest thing in the world. Freiburg’s defense? It looked more like they had front-row seats to an art exhibition. Was this really a Champions League contender we were playing? Or did Freiburg secretly send out their reserves? No, this was just Bayer 04 at its absolute best.
This match was more than just a victory. It was a statement—a testament to what this year has meant for us fans. A team that doesn’t just play football but creates art on the pitch. A squad that doesn’t just score goals but writes history. And a coach who has turned the team into a high-performance machine, brimming with joy and precision.
And then came the perfect finish: Christmas carols sung by fans, players, and even a children’s choir. The BayArena wasn’t just a football stadium that evening; it was a stage for something greater. It was the perfect way to close a year that gave us so much—from the double titles to dazzling victories and moments that will stay with us forever.
Now, it’s time for a (sadly brief) winter break. But hey, no complaints here. If next year is even half as good as this one, we’re in for something special. For now, let’s recharge, enjoy the holidays, and maybe decorate our Christmas trees in black and red.
As we all take a moment to reflect, one thought lingers: If this is just the beginning of the Xabi Alonso era, 2025 could be every bit as spectacular as the year we’ve just witnessed. So here’s to a Merry Christmas and an unforgettable New Year—with our Werkself firmly at the top of our list of things that make us happy!
Sonntag, 15. Dezember 2024
Away Is the New Home
There are moments as a Bayer 04 Leverkusen fan when all you can do is marvel. It’s as if the years of “what-ifs” and “almosts” were just a bad dream, and now we’re witnessing our team turn into an unstoppable machine. The win in Augsburg? Just another chapter in this success story, written with precision, patience, and a sprinkle of Augsburg frustration. Who would have thought we’d go an entire calendar year unbeaten away from home? That’s not just impressive; it’s historic. I wouldn’t be surprised if some nervous glances are being cast down from Munich – and this is just the beginning.
The match against Augsburg was a textbook example of how this team operates: efficient, composed, and ice-cold when it matters most. Martin Terrier, who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite, needed just one perfect pass from Granit Xhaka to open the scoring. And Florian Wirtz? He’s doing things that leave you in equal parts awe and disbelief. The way he orchestrated the second goal wasn’t just clever—it was a masterpiece. Wirtz didn’t just fake out the defense; he outwitted the laws of physics. He’s our gem, our prodigy, and the most exciting part? He’s only 21 and has his best years ahead of him.
But it wasn’t just about the attack. The defense, led by the outstanding Jonathan Tah, once again showed why we’re celebrating not just goals scored but goals denied. Augsburg might have a reputation for being strong at home, but our Werkself smothered every attempt they made to gain a foothold. Even Schlotterbeck’s disallowed goal barely caused a ripple of concern. This was one of those matches where, as a fan, you catch yourself not feeling nervous but simply enjoying the show. That feeling? Pure bliss.
The 24-match unbeaten away streak doesn’t just highlight the team’s quality; it’s also a testament to the work of Xabi Alonso. He has elevated this squad to a level we haven’t seen in Leverkusen for years. Players like Granit Xhaka embody the new mentality: relentless, gritty, and laser-focused on winning. We’ve defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League and dismantled Augsburg’s home fortress in the league. What’s left, other than sitting back and dreaming of what this season might bring?
Of course, we all know that titles in the Bundesliga are only handed out in May. But this win in Augsburg felt symbolic: another puzzle piece in a season that keeps inviting us to believe. And when you hear that Bayern slipped up in Mainz on the same day, it’s hard not to smile. Four points off the top, the title still within reach, and a team proving week after week that it’s ready for something special. It feels like everything is possible.
Next up is Freiburg at the BayArena—the final match of the year. One last push before the winter break, a chance to end 2024 on a high and prepare for what promises to be an electrifying second half of the season. And who knows? Maybe someday we’ll look back on 2023/24 as the season when Bayer 04 stopped being a team of “what-ifs” and became a team of “when.” A team unbeatable away and unshakable at home. A team that finally claimed the glory it’s been chasing. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—first, let’s enjoy the holiday season sitting in second place, with every reason to keep dreaming.
Mittwoch, 11. Dezember 2024
Last-Minute Mukiele and the Art of Silencing Inter
There are moments as a Bayer 04 fan you never quite expect, no matter how often they’ve happened before: a goal in the 90th minute that doesn’t just win a game but also stuns a defensive juggernaut like Inter Milan. One minute, you’re standing in the BayArena, hands half in your pockets, resigned to accepting a "solid" 0-0. The next, the stadium erupts. Nordi Mukiele, freshly subbed in, finishes off one of those magical moments every fan lives for—a ball that finds him by a mix of fortune and persistence, and a finish as clinical as Yann Bisseck’s post-match wit. Just like that, the Italian champions were toppled, in Leverkusen of all places—a city that doesn’t exactly expect these kinds of fairy tales.
The evening had all the hallmarks of a typical Bayer Champions League performance: a technically superior side controlling the game, creating chances, and somehow failing to break through. It was frustrating, to say the least. Frimpong hit the side netting early, Tella rattled the crossbar, and Granit Xhaka seemed to have made it his mission to test Yann Sommer repeatedly, to no avail. It felt like the football gods were setting us up for another classic “yes, but” night. Yes, we play beautiful football, but the goals just don’t come.
But this Bayer team? It’s different. There was no sign of despair, no folding against Inter’s defensive wall. Xabi Alonso’s plan was clear: patience. This match showcased the structure and composure that define this team. Inter’s defensive discipline was admirable, but Leverkusen was simply better. Every touch had purpose, every pass was calculated, and you could sense that the team believed the breakthrough would come.
Enter Mukiele. There’s something cinematic about how a player who’s had a rough start to life in Leverkusen ends up scoring the decisive goal. That moment encapsulated everything that makes Bayer 04 this season: cool heads, clever ball movement, and the determination to strike at just the right time. It wasn’t a fluke—it was the culmination of hard work and trust, the kind Alonso has shown even during rough patches. Mukiele, who has battled injuries and inconsistency, stepped up when it mattered most. That’s not just talent—that’s mentality.
This victory didn’t just put Bayer 04 temporarily in second place in the group standings; it sent a message. Beating both Milan giants in one season? That’s no small feat. This wasn’t just a win against Inter—it was a win against the tired old narrative that Leverkusen always falters in the big moments. This team is different, and you can feel it every time they step onto the pitch.
While others start crunching numbers and calculating qualification scenarios, let’s take a moment to revel in this. These are the nights we dream of as fans, the kind that make trudging to the BayArena in the cold, week after week, all worth it. Somewhere in the chaos of a last-minute goal, the euphoria of a packed stadium, and the pure joy after the final whistle lies the essence of being a Bayer fan. It might be crazy, but it’s our kind of crazy—and it’s absolutely glorious.
Sonntag, 8. Dezember 2024
Leverkusen and the Art of Narrow Wins – Another Day, Another Thriller
Sometimes, supporting Bayer 04 Leverkusen feels less like cheering for a football team and more like testing the limits of your cardiovascular system. Against FC St. Pauli, we once again walked the tightrope to secure a 2-1 victory, turning what looked like a comfortable afternoon into yet another nail-biting spectacle. But hey, that’s Bayer 04 for you – we don’t do boring, and as long as the three points keep rolling in, we’re more than happy to embrace the drama.
The BayArena was buzzing from the get-go, and just seven minutes in, Florian Wirtz treated us to one of his signature moments of magic. The way he slalomed through defenders and finished with such composure is a reminder of why he’s so special. Not long after, Jonathan Tah doubled the lead with a powerful header, and for a brief, blissful moment, it felt like we could relax. Of course, that was just an illusion. This is Leverkusen – we don’t do straightforward wins.
As the match wore on, we had our chances to kill it off. Twice, the VAR stepped in to disallow what looked like perfectly good goals, and Nathan Tella in particular must have been cursing his luck. But for all our attacking flair, we couldn’t find the decisive third goal. Instead, we let St. Pauli hang around, and eventually, Morgan Guilavogui punished us with a well-taken strike late in the game. Suddenly, the atmosphere was tense, the finish frantic, and the memories of previous slip-ups against underdogs started creeping in. But not this time. This time, we held on.
So, what do we take away from this? For starters, Xabi Alonso’s team is showing it knows how to grind out results. Eleven Bundesliga matches unbeaten and five straight wins speak volumes about this squad’s resilience. Sure, we’ve seen more dominant performances, but this was a game where the result mattered more than the style. Earlier in the season, we might have dropped points in a match like this. Now, we’re showing the maturity to see it through, even when things get tight.
Despite a string of injuries to key players like Victor Boniface and Jonas Hofmann, this team continues to deliver. Wirtz, Tah, and Xhaka stepped up again, and even Tella, unlucky as he was, showed promise. With a packed schedule ahead, including a Champions League showdown with Inter Milan in just a few days, the depth of this squad is being tested. So far, they’ve passed with flying colors.
For the fans, games like this are a reminder of why we love this club. It’s never just a match; it’s a rollercoaster. Whether it’s beating relegation battlers or taking on Europe’s elite, there’s always a twist, always a moment that makes your heart race. And as much as we might wish for the occasional easy win, deep down, we wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, the drama is part of the magic. Would it really be Bayer 04 without it?