No Wall Too Tall: Bayer Gently Evicts Union from the BayArena

Sometimes you sit down, switch on the match, and just hope for a relaxing evening of smooth Werkself football – ideally with a couple of nice goals, 74% possession, and an opponent who looks more like they’re on a guided tour of their own penalty area. And well… against Union Berlin, that’s exactly what we got. Not bad for a Saturday, right?

As a Leverkusen fan, you learn to be cautious. We’ve seen *things*. But what Kasper Hjulmand and his red-and-black ensemble are serving up week after week doesn’t just look structured and confident – it’s starting to feel like watching a well-oiled opera, with deep-baritone Tillman, maestro Garcia in the middle, and a surprise front duet from Poku and Kofane. Self-belief is growing, connections are clicking, and dare I say it – something *big* might be brewing here. And it’s not built on hype, but on hard work and a sprinkle of magic.

Let’s talk Poku – the guy clearly missed the memo that Bundesliga debutants are supposed to be nervous. Second game, second goal, same calmness. Just slots it in like he’s been doing this forever. And Kofane? That man’s hold-up play in the first half was pure furniture showroom – rock-solid. Then in the second half, he casually pickpockets Union keeper Rønnow like a Berlin pickpocket on tourist season. Cool, calm, clever. First Bundesliga goal? Check.

What’s *really* noticeable, though, is how different this team feels. Gone are the days of shaky one-goal leads and 80th-minute panic. This squad keeps playing. Keeps pressing. Keeps hunting. And they actually look like they *enjoy* it. Substitutions bring energy, not anxiety. Maza and Arthur come in and raise the tempo. Hofmann adds veteran calm. Even Belocian gets a few minutes after nearly 300 days out and helps close things down like he never left. That’s not just squad depth – that’s culture.

And speaking of culture: 153 completed passes from Aleix Garcia. Yes, that’s *one hundred and fifty-three*. He basically treated Union like a training drill. Add to that a 92% team pass accuracy, 74% possession, 20 shots to Union’s 10, and suddenly you realize: this wasn’t just a win. This was a gentle but firm domination. “No, thanks, Union – this half of the pitch is ours.”

Let’s not forget Jarell Quansah, either. 71 duels won in the league – second-best overall. He’s basically a walking “No Entry” sign at this point. Want to get past him? Bring a crowbar and a permission slip from the DFL.

And yes, losing Grimaldo and Vázquez at halftime wasn’t ideal. In past seasons, that would’ve sparked a collective “here we go again” feeling across the stands. But this time? It was more like, “Okay, Arthur and Maza are coming on. No problem.” That’s how stable this team has become. Injuries aren’t derailments – they’re just changes in tempo.

So yes, this might’ve been the most *complete* performance of the season so far. Not because it was flashy or dramatic – but because it was calm, ruthless, and professional. And that, as a fan, is the most comforting kind of football. Like a warm blanket. Or a three-point pillow.

Union? Still without a win in ten straight against us. Only one Bundesliga loss to them in total. And now we head into the international break with smiles on our faces, numbers on our side, and that quiet thought sneaking in: Could this really be our year? Too soon? Maybe. But hey – confidence is contagious. And this team has plenty to spare.