Sonntag, 16. Februar 2025

If Dominance Won Titles, Bayer Would Be Champions Already

Some football matches are forgettable. And then there are games like this – a 0-0 draw that felt like anything but. Bayer 04 completely outclassed Bayern Munich, dominated every aspect of the game, and left the so-called "Rekordmeister" looking like mere spectators. The only thing missing? A goal.

The BayArena was packed, the atmosphere electric. From the first whistle, it was clear: only one team had shown up to play football – and they were wearing black and red. Bayern? They seemed more interested in avoiding a loss than actually competing. When was the last time a Bayern Munich side failed to register a single shot on target in a Bundesliga match? Exactly. Meanwhile, Bayer 04 rained down 15 attempts on goal, only to be thwarted by Manuel Neuer’s reflexes – and, apparently, a goalpost that had secretly switched allegiances.

The agony reached its peak in the 60th minute when Nathan Tella’s spectacular bicycle kick narrowly missed the net. Five minutes later, his header was cleared off the line by Hiroki Ito. And then, stoppage time: Amine Adli, back from injury, saw his header land straight in Neuer’s arms, and Florian Wirtz’s shot whizzed just past the post. Bayer fans held their heads in disbelief. Meanwhile, Bayern had probably already started warming up their bus for the ride home, relieved beyond words.

Still, this wasn’t just a good performance – it was a statement. Granit Xhaka summed it up perfectly: “I can’t remember Bayern having a single shot.” And that’s the key takeaway here. Bayer weren’t just the better team – they were superior in every possible way. Holding 81% possession against Bayern, pinning them back in their own half, and dictating the game for 90 minutes? That’s no small feat.

But football can be cruel. Maybe the football gods are saving the reward for later. Maybe this was just a warning shot for the battles to come. Who knows?

One thing is certain: this team is ready for the title. And if they keep playing like this, luck will have no choice but to finally side with them. Next stop: Holstein Kiel. A newly promoted team that won’t make the mistake of underestimating Bayer 04. The mission is clear: just put the ball in the net. Everything else is already perfect.

Sonntag, 9. Februar 2025

Defensive Fortress Instead of a Goal Fest – Leverkusen Grinds Out a Point in Wolfsburg

Well, another point in the bag – but this time, no goals, no celebrations, no fireworks. A goalless draw in Wolfsburg, about as exciting as unsweetened chamomile tea on a Monday morning. And yet, things are actually looking good for Bayer Leverkusen: still unbeaten in 27 consecutive Bundesliga away games! A streak that would make even the most cynical fans scratch their heads. But here's the catch: Bayern Munich keeps pulling away at the top, and that stings.

Xabi Alonso knew the stakes and decided to shake things up, making eight changes to the starting lineup compared to the DFB-Pokal win over Köln. That wasn’t just rotation; that was a full-on reconstruction. Boniface up front, Hermoso in defense, Tella on the wing – a completely new look. The game itself? Let’s call it "tactically disciplined." Wolfsburg, famous for their set-piece prowess, thought they had an early lead, but the VAR had other ideas. A moment that should have been a wake-up call for Leverkusen. It wasn’t.

Our Werkself only really threatened through set pieces as well. Nordi Mukiele had a golden chance with a header but seemed to think he was still in training – over the bar! After that, a lot of midfield battles, a few half-chances here and there, but nothing to get the heart racing. Wolfsburg's Tiago Tomas forced Hradecky into a couple of good saves, while on the other end, Granit Xhaka reminded everyone that long-range shots are indeed an option – unfortunately, his went over.

The second half started with a bit more urgency from Bayer 04. Tella and Xhaka tried their luck, Boniface tested the tensile strength of Wolfsburg's net – but it was all effort without reward. Then came a heart-stopping moment: Wolfsburg's Fischer rattled the crossbar. Luck was on our side. In the closing stages, Alonso turned to his super-subs, bringing on Wirtz and Frimpong – and suddenly, there was that spark of magic. Wirtz weaved his way through the defense in classic Wirtz fashion, only to poke the ball agonizingly wide of the far post. That was it. A game with no winner, no goals, and no real euphoria.

So, what’s the takeaway? Bayer remains solid, but title contenders need wins – especially when the league leaders are within reach. But maybe, just maybe, our boys are saving their fireworks for the next match. Because next weekend, Bayern Munich comes to Leverkusen. Under the floodlights. At home. A game screaming for drama and spectacle. If that one ends goalless, we might just lose our minds.

Donnerstag, 6. Februar 2025

Werkself Madness: Cup Thriller with a Happy Ending Against Cologne!

Sometimes, football games are just football games. And then there are matches like this DFB-Pokal quarterfinal against 1. FC Köln. The kind of game that drags you through every emotional extreme, ages you like a poorly stored camembert, and then sends you into pure euphoria at the end.

Bayer 04 is in the DFB-Pokal semifinals after a 3-2 win in extra time against our "beloved" neighbors from Cologne. And that’s despite being 2-0 down, with the derby script initially reading like a horror story for Leverkusen fans. But Xabi Alonso has shaped this squad into a mental fortress, not just a footballing powerhouse. This team never gives up—it’s ruthless when it matters most. And when you think it’s over, Patrik Schick shows up.

The night started with a pyro show that caused a ten-minute delay—something Cologne fans call "atmosphere," while we in Leverkusen call it "annoying." Once the smoke cleared, Bayer took control, playing patiently but without the final punch. And as is tradition in the cup, if you don’t take your chances, the underdog strikes. Damion Downs scored right before halftime—of course, in what felt like the 100th minute of added time. And when Linton Maina made it 2-0, Bayer fans were left questioning their life choices.

But hey, we’re not Borussia Dortmund! Resignation? Not with this team! Florian Wirtz pulled off a moment of magic, Patrik Schick said "thank you," and suddenly it was 1-2. The BayArena was rocking again, the fans pushed the team forward—and in the dying seconds of regular time, Bayer found the equalizer. Who else but Schick? A classic Bayer 04 goal: Frimpong's pace, a perfect cross, an ice-cold finish. Extra time!

Then came Victor Boniface. Fresh back from injury, and what a return! A thunderous strike in the 98th minute, 3-2. Cologne tried everything, even found the net, but VAR had no mercy. Offside! After that, it was all about holding on. But Bayer stayed strong. Victory! Semifinals! What a night!

Schick and Boniface both scoring raises the question: could a two-striker system be an option for Xabi Alonso in the coming weeks? But that’s a question for another day. Right now, we celebrate. Bayer 04 is still on course, the title defense is alive! And most importantly: we once again put Cologne in their place. The cup? Bayer can do it!

Montag, 3. Februar 2025

Grimaldo Sees Red, but Bayer Stays on Top – A Workmanlike Victory with Style

There are games that don’t necessarily fall into the "fireworks and spectacle" category but still end with three crucial points. And let’s be honest: these are exactly the matches a championship team needs to win. Bayer 04 defeated Hoffenheim 3-1, proving once again that even when things don’t go entirely to plan, this team remains unfazed. A bit of efficiency here, a dash of individual brilliance there, and another Bundesliga victory is secured.

It was one of those weeks that would have any Werkself fan struggling to catch their breath: a Champions League match, new transfers, transfer chaos (Boniface leaving? Come on, nobody really believed that), and a tricky game against a Hoffenheim side that fluctuates between “annoyingly tough opponent” and “should we just mail them the three points?”

But Bayer being Bayer, the team approached the match with its usual swagger. Fifteen minutes in, Boniface silenced all transfer rumors by smashing the ball into the net—because that’s what he does. Minutes later, Frimpong turned on the afterburners, left Hoffenheim’s defense in the dust, and coolly made it 2-0. So clinical, even Bayern Munich might start feeling nervous.

Hoffenheim? Mostly busy chasing shadows in the first half. Sure, there was some VAR drama, a penalty decision overturned, and the first-ever live referee announcement in Bundesliga history (which probably made the TV broadcasters happier than the players), but overall, Bayer was in total control. And if Nathan Tella hadn’t gone off injured, things might have gotten even worse for the visitors. But no worries—we had another ace up our sleeve: Patrik Schick.

With Boniface off after halftime, Schick wasted no time making his mark, instinctively finishing to make it 3-0. When you have two strikers of this caliber, offensive firepower is never an issue. But because Bayer Leverkusen wouldn’t be Bayer Leverkusen without a bit of drama, Alejandro Grimaldo decided to spice things up with a rash challenge, earning himself a second yellow and an early shower.

Suddenly, Hoffenheim had a lifeline, and they took advantage of the extra man with a quick goal to pull it back to 3-1. But unlike in previous seasons, Bayer didn’t panic. No chaotic defending, no nervy last-minute collapses—just a composed, professional effort to see out the win. A sign of maturity, a sign of a team with bigger ambitions.

And so, another three points are in the bag. Next up: a fiery DFB-Pokal quarterfinal clash against 1. FC Köln. A derby that promises emotion and intensity. But if Bayer 04 has proven one thing this season, it’s the ability to stay cool when things heat up.


Donnerstag, 30. Januar 2025

Destination: Round of 16 – Bayer 04 Cruises Through

There we go! Bayer 04 is in the Champions League Round of 16 – and without the nerve-wracking detour of the play-offs. A confident 2-0 win over Sparta Prague was enough to secure sixth place in the league phase, granting a direct ticket to the knockout stage. And as a little cherry on top: Bayer 04 is the only German team to pull this off. Bayern? Dortmund? All still stuck in play-off purgatory. But us? We sit back, sip our well-earned UCL espresso, and casually wait for the draw.

The match itself? A controlled, professional performance – the kind that makes you feel at ease as a fan. Xabi Alonso shuffled his lineup, with Matej Kovar getting the nod in goal. A sentimental choice, given his Sparta Prague past? Maybe. But more than anything, it was proof of the squad’s depth and trust in every player. And that trust paid off quickly. Shots from Xhaka, Tah, and Schick within the opening minutes made it clear that Sparta was in for a long night. It was one of those games where you knew Bayer would score – it was only a matter of time.

And, of course, Florian Wirtz delivered. After 32 minutes, our midfield magician calmly slotted the ball into the net following a slick assist from Jeremie Frimpong, the Bundesliga’s fastest delivery service. Sparta, already struggling to hold on, now had an even bigger mountain to climb. And when Nathan Tella pounced on a rebound in the 64th minute to make it 2-0, the visitors were essentially out of options. Bayer, meanwhile, controlled the game with the confidence of a team that knows exactly how good it is.

So, the Round of 16 awaits – no unnecessary extra games, no stress. While Dortmund and Bayern nervously prepare for their play-offs, Xabi Alonso and his team can focus on refining their game. And let’s be honest: Europe should be getting nervous. This Werkself isn’t just here to participate – they’re here to make a statement. See you in the knockouts, with Wirtz magic, Frimpong pace, and a team ready to take on the best.

Sonntag, 26. Januar 2025

Bayer 04 Scores... Just in the Wrong Net

 There are days when you ask yourself: “Why do I even do this?” Why do I cram myself into a fan bus that smells like a mix of sweat and hope, travel across half the country to support my team, even though deep down I know football fate has a cruel surprise waiting for me? The trip to Leipzig was exactly one of those days. Up 2-0, Leipzig barely in the game – and then, out of nowhere, our own guy trips over the ball and buries it in the wrong net. Football, you’re a cruel, cruel game.

The match started with a whisper of “Maybe, just maybe, this is our day.” Patrik Schick – who’s spent so much time injured that we’d almost forgotten what his goal celebration looks like – reminded everyone what he does best: score. Sure, the ball came back to him via a bit of chaos, but who cares how it happens when you’re ahead? And then there’s Florian Wirtz, our young wizard, casting his spells again, leaving Leipzig’s defenders looking like extras in a bad dance movie. His dribble before the opener was nothing short of art – a fluid, elegant masterpiece designed for one purpose: humiliating Leipzig’s defense. Moments later, Wirtz set up Aleix Garcia for the second goal. Garcia? The guy from Girona who many thought was just here to pad the squad? Well, guess what? He’s got goals in him. 2-0 for Bayer, and everything looked as comfortable as an afternoon stroll in the Red Bull Arena.

But we Bayer fans know: celebrating too early is a rookie mistake. Leipzig pulled one back before halftime with a deflected free kick. David Raum, who was sort of the anti-Wirtz on the day – less flair, more grind – brought his team back into it. Halftime arrived, and I was still cautiously optimistic. “We’ve got this,” I muttered to myself. Mistake number one.

The second half was like watching a horror film you’ve seen too many times. Leipzig attacked, shot, and kept coming, but Lukas Hradecky, our Finnish wall, was there to stop it all. Meanwhile, Wirtz seemed to be conducting his own personal challenge: how many times can you hit the post in one game? Twice, as it turned out. On the other side, David Raum was clearing everything we threw at Leipzig’s goal – ironically better than most of Leipzig’s actual defenders.

And then came the 85th minute. A Leipzig free kick. Xavi Simons swings it in, and Edmond Tapsoba – normally the picture of composure in our backline – completes the nightmare. With a header so perfectly executed it could be used in training videos, he plants the ball right into our own net. Own goals are like heartbreak: they hit you hard, there’s nothing you can do to stop them, and they leave you feeling hollow. The worst part? Leipzig deserved it. They had pressed, pushed, and eventually forced fate’s hand.

So, what do we take from this afternoon in Saxony? A point. Just a single, miserable point. Bayern pulls six points ahead in the title race, and the championship dreams we all secretly harbored slip further out of reach. But let’s be real – is this surprising?

Mittwoch, 22. Januar 2025

How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot—and Still Look Good Doing It

Oh, Bayer 04, how do we always manage to turn a dream evening into a nightmare? You play a first half so dominant that even Diego Simeone briefly sits down—a rare natural phenomenon that probably deserves its own chapter in the Champions League history books. But no, we had to get in our own way again. Because why make it easy and control a game for 90 minutes? Instead, we lose our heads, the lead, and ultimately the match. Welcome to the life of a Bayer fan.

It all started so promisingly, though. In the first 45 minutes, we moved Atletico Madrid around the pitch like chess pieces in a game masterminded by Xabi Alonso himself. Confident on the ball, inventive in attack, and unusually composed—especially in a fortress like the Metropolitano. And then came that moment: Mukiele’s cross, Hincapie’s header—1-0 to the Werkself in first-half stoppage time. A goal as deserved as an after-work beer on a Friday. Piero Hincapie, our man for the big moments, scoring his first-ever Champions League goal. And of course, it had to come in a match like this.

But then, as so often happens, the infamous "Bayer thing" crept in. Call it naivety, call it youthful recklessness—or, as Jonathan Tah put it, a lack of maturity. Instead of putting Atletico to the sword with our numerical advantage, we invited them back into the game. “Come on in, grab a coffee, make yourselves comfortable,” was basically the message. And Atletico, being Atletico, didn’t need a second invitation. Julian Alvarez thanked us by scoring twice and giving us a crash course on how to throw away a Champions League lead.

Sure, you could say, “It was a lesson in emotional management.” We got the memo. But seriously, how many lessons do we need before we graduate with honors in cool-headedness? You can have 70% possession, better passing accuracy, and an opponent playing an hour with ten men—none of it matters if you concede the winning goal in the 90th minute.

At least there’s some dark humor to be found here, if you can stomach it. The Metropolitano isn’t just a stadium; it’s a fortress. One with 70,460 roaring fans, creating the kind of atmosphere that could make even a seasoned referee second-guess every decision. To win here, you need more than skill—you need nerves of steel. And once again, that’s where we fell short.

Still, there were positives. Piero Hincapie not only scored his first Champions League goal but also showed he can be a game-changer—when he’s not being sent off, that is. Nordi Mukiele, who set up the goal, was a key player until his substitution. And Granit Xhaka? A rock in midfield as always.

So now we dust ourselves off and move on. Leipzig awaits this weekend, and honestly, I don’t know whether to look forward to it or dread it. But that’s football, isn’t it? This constant rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak. It would almost be boring if Bayer 04 suddenly discovered the art of winning with ruthless efficiency.

If Dominance Won Titles, Bayer Would Be Champions Already

Some football matches are forgettable. And then there are games like this – a 0-0 draw that felt like anything but. Bayer 04 completely outc...