Two Goals, Zero Conceded, Full Confidence

What do you do after a Champions League defeat in Paris? Exactly: you give Freiburg a footballing headache. The Werkself bounced back on Sunday with a confidence you'd normally expect from a couple waltzing into the “Let’s Dance” final. A cool 2-0 against SC Freiburg, fourth league win in a row – and barely a drop of sweat on the forehead. Honestly, this wasn’t just a Bundesliga match. This was a statement. We’re back. As if Paris never happened.

Sure, Flekken had to save us twice early on – against his former club, no less – but once those nervous opening minutes were out of the way, Bayer did what Bayer does best: dominate possession, drain the opponent’s energy, strike clinically. One quick one-two between Garcia and Poku – bang, 1-0. One Grimaldo cross right on Tapsoba’s head – boom, 2-0. When goals look that easy, you know the team is in a groove.

Speaking of grooves – Ernest Poku is currently writing his own little football fairytale. Three goals in four games, and it’s not just the numbers – it’s the speed, the movement, the finishing touch. He’s becoming an integral part of this attack before our eyes. And Garcia? The guy must have a compass built into his boot. He’s pinging passes around that would make Google Maps jealous.

Garcia has become the heartbeat of this team. Tempo, vision, intelligence – he’s basically burned our entire possession playbook onto a CD and put it on loop. And when Tapsoba runs straight to assistant coach Meijer after scoring, it shows you something else: the vibe in this team is real. It’s not just about playing well – it’s about working hard for each other, too.

And Freiburg? Let’s be honest: they were never really in it. Sure, a bit of early pressure, but after the first goal, they were chasing shadows. Even if they’d had an extra man, it wouldn’t have changed much – instead, they ended up a man down when Lienhart saw a second yellow for fouling Maza in the 74th minute. From then on, it was just about seeing the game out.

Oh, and speaking of comebacks: Patrik Schick is back. Four weeks out injured, now back on the pitch. Didn’t score yet, but just seeing his name on the team sheet again felt like a small victory. When he’s fully sharp again, the goals will come.

Bottom line: mature, composed, professional. Not flashy, but highly effective. And the timing? Couldn’t be better. Now it’s off to Paderborn for the cup, and then it’s Bayern away. But with this Bayer team? Anything’s possible. No, we’re not getting cocky. Just confident. And as fans, we’re allowed to enjoy that ride.