120 Years of Bayer – And Then This: When the Newcomer Crashes the Party

"Punkte verschenkt" – that's a feeling every Bayer fan knows all too well. You're up 2-0 after eight minutes, the celebration for the 120th anniversary is in full swing, and yet you only walk away with a point. Against Holstein Kiel. A newly promoted team. At home. In the sold-out BayArena, where the atmosphere was supposed to be jubilant. But somehow, there was that familiar sinking feeling in the pit of every Leverkusen fan's stomach: the tendency to turn sure victories into nail-biters.

Those first few minutes were perfect. Boniface and Hofmann both found the net, and Palacios – the Argentinian maestro celebrating his birthday – orchestrated both goals. 2-0, and it all looked like a relaxed afternoon, another routine win for Xabi Alonso in his 100th game as Bayer's manager. But instead of killing off Kiel, we let them back into the game. Why? Well, that’s what we’re all wondering. "Unfocused," Hradecky said. "Not smart enough," Alonso added. Whatever it was, it felt like someone flipped a switch – the wrong one, unfortunately.

Then, just before halftime, that goal came. Geschwill headed in after a corner – a typical Bayer goal to concede, if we're being honest. Set-piece goals have plagued this team for years. And what did Kiel do? They fought back. Not with dazzling play, but with persistence. Kiel fought, you have to give them that. But it wasn’t like they were outplaying us. It was Bayer 04 making things hard for themselves. There were plenty of chances, but the third goal never came. And then there was that penalty. Frimpong brought Gigovic down, Arp converted with ease. Suddenly, it was 2-2, and we fans were left wondering: "This can't be happening, can it?" But it did. Again.

The bitter part of this draw isn't just the dropped points. It was supposed to be a day of celebration: 120 years of Bayer 04, Xabi's 100th match, a packed stadium – and yet, in the end, we're left with a sour taste. Not because Kiel was so strong, but because we weakened ourselves. Hradecky called it "giving away points," and that’s spot on. You have to ask why, after such a dominant start, we stopped playing football. Why let the opponent back in instead of putting the game to bed?

Of course, there were positives: Palacios’ strong return to the starting eleven, Boniface scoring again, and the fact that this team is technically operating at a very high level. But that alone isn’t enough to win games like these. It takes more – consistency, cleverness, a little more ruthlessness perhaps. Because if you want to compete for the title, or at least stay near the top, you can't let games like this slip away.

And so we fans are left with mixed feelings once again. On the one hand, we know how good this team can be. On the other hand, we know how they can sometimes get in their own way. Sure, now there's the international break, followed by Eintracht Frankfurt at home. And maybe this little pause will help clear our heads. But one thing is certain: if Bayer 04 truly wants to compete at the top this season, they need to learn how to close out these kinds of games.

Milan or Madrid – as long as it’s a Champions League win!

It’s that time again: the Champions League has returned to the BayArena. And what a start! A 1-0 win over AC Milan, a sold-out stadium, and the best floodlit atmosphere you can imagine. There’s hardly anything better than Champions League nights in Leverkusen, when our boys show the giants of Europe that this "little" Bayer town can play with the best of them.

But honestly, a 1-0? It felt like we could’ve been up by two or three goals by halftime. Some Bayer fans might have found themselves wondering why we always seem to make it so hard on ourselves. It’s like the football gods want to keep things exciting for us. If you know Bayer, you know: clear leads don’t come without some nerve-racking moments. Still, credit where it’s due—at least there was no total heart attack this time. Well, apart from when Theo Hernandez hit the crossbar near the end, causing the entire stadium to collectively hold its breath.

Tactically, the game was textbook stuff. Xabi Alonso has definitely elevated this team to a new level, one we’ve been missing for quite some time. We calmly dismantled AC Milan, switching play quickly from side to side and picking them apart with through balls. Aleix Garcia, in particular, was a game-changer—it's like he has eyes in the back of his head. The way he sent passes to Frimpong and the others was just beautiful to watch. He’s also the guy who set up Grimaldo with that crucial pass before Frimpong’s shot was saved, and Boniface slammed it home. It was the kind of goal that shows we’re capable of scoring pretty as well as scrappy goals when it counts.

Boniface? He’s a joy to watch. Hard to believe it was his first Champions League goal ever, but it feels like many more will follow. You get the sense with him that he’s built for this level—calm and clinical. That’s exactly the kind of striker you need in Europe. No fancy tricks, no unnecessary dribbles—just put the ball in the net and move on. Perfect.

Sure, towards the end, we had that familiar feeling as Bayer fans: retreating into our own half, the opponent gaining momentum, and us sweating it out. Why does it always have to be like that? Only the football gods know. But this time, we held firm. Hradecky was there when we needed him, and the defense held, even as Milan threw everything at us. That’s the difference we’ve missed in past seasons. In the old days, we probably would’ve conceded a late equalizer, but not this time. Is it possible that we’re finally becoming a team that can see out tight games? It sure looks that way. Alonso seems to have turned the Werkself into a squad that doesn’t fear any opponent in the Champions League. And if we keep this up, the BayArena could witness a few more magical nights this season. Because one thing is clear: this team has what it takes to deliver.

But now, we turn our focus back to the Bundesliga. Holstein Kiel is coming up, and after the Champions League euphoria, it’s time to stay grounded! We know how it goes: these are exactly the kind of games where we could trip up. Still, with the form this team is in, nothing should stand in our way against the promoted side. Let’s see if Boniface can keep his streak going.

Bayer 04 Holds Bayern

A draw at the Allianz Arena – normally, only Bayern fans would find reason to cheer. But after last Saturday's 1-1 against the record champions, most Leverkusen supporters probably greeted the result with a satisfied grin. Why? Because Xabi Alonso's team didn’t just snatch a point; they once again proved that under his leadership, Bayer 04 has matured significantly.


“If you want to beat Bayern, you have to know how to defend,” a wise person once said. And that’s exactly what Bayer 04 did. From the first whistle, it was clear Alonso’s game plan revolved around keeping Bayern’s offense at bay, with discipline, fighting spirit, and a good dose of bravery. Just sitting back isn’t enough against Bayern, as we all know. But Leverkusen showed that they’ve mastered the balancing act between a compact defensive approach and the occasional sharp counterattack.

When Robert Andrich struck coldly in the 31st minute with Bayer 04's first real chance, it was no fluke. A corner kick, a smart layoff from Xhaka, and a precise finish – pure efficiency. Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlovic responded just eight minutes later with a superb long-range shot, demonstrating that Bayern could still flash their individual brilliance. But what happened after that was truly impressive: Bayern kept pressing, and Leverkusen kept defending. And they did it with a resolve we haven’t always seen from them.

Let’s be honest, this wasn’t a match for the football romantics. But these are exactly the kinds of games that elevate a team to the next level. Leverkusen knew they wouldn’t have much possession on this day (31%), but they made the most of it. It wasn’t the dazzling attacking show we’ve seen from Bayer 04 in recent matches, but it was a game in which the team nailed its defensive duties. Earning a point in Munich is also proof that this side has matured.

Xabi Alonso summed it up: “We were ready to suffer.” And that’s exactly what makes great teams – the understanding that you don’t always need to shine, but sometimes you just need to get the job done. And that’s exactly what Bayer 04 did. Even though Bayern hit the post twice and dominated possession, the final score mattered. And from a Leverkusen perspective, a 1-1 draw reads pretty well.

A few years ago, this is the type of game Leverkusen would have lost, especially in Munich, where they often took a beating. But those days seem to be over. Bayer 04 has now managed to go unbeaten in four consecutive Bundesliga matches against Bayern. This isn’t just a flattering statistic – it’s a sign that something is truly coming together in Leverkusen. A team that can hold its own in the big matches. A team that’s starting to show some teeth and not just rely on its finesse.

Of course, one point in Munich doesn’t mean we should get ahead of ourselves, but it seems like Xabi Alonso is steering the ship with a clear philosophy. Stability and efficiency are two qualities that Bayer 04 has long been missing. Sure, there’s still room for improvement – the players themselves admit that, as Granit Xhaka pointed out after the game. But if you can stand toe-to-toe with Bayern, you have every right to feel satisfied.

With this point in the bag, Bayer 04 can now focus on their next challenge: AC Milan is coming to Leverkusen! The Champions League will bring a different kind of match, but one thing is clear: Bayer 04 has shown they’re ready to deliver, even on the biggest stages. It’ll be exciting to see how the team performs on Tuesday night.

In conclusion, the point in Munich was hard-fought and well-earned. With stability and efficiency, Bayer 04 has positioned itself as a serious contender to Bayern’s throne. And they’ve done it in style.

An Own Goal and Seven Strikes – When the Defense Takes a Day Off

There are matches that make your heart race, and then there are games like Bayer 04’s 4-3 victory over VfL Wolfsburg – a rollercoaster ride for the nerves and a wild blend of joy and frustration. As a Bayer fan, you’ve likely seen it all, but this matchday, the Werkself were particularly creative, both in scoring goals and in, well, not defending.

A curious own goal from newcomer Nordi Mukiele in the fifth minute set the tone for this spectacle, and that in his starting debut no less. Welcome to Leverkusen, Nordi! But the mishap was quickly shaken off, as Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Tah managed to take the lead, only for Bayer to, once again, find themselves back in trouble. As is often the case with Bayer, no lead is safe, and sure enough, two goals conceded before halftime turned what could have been a comfortable situation into a 2-3 deficit.

But if there's one thing you know as a Leverkusen fan, it’s that the team never gives up. Head coach Xabi Alonso made the right changes at halftime, bringing fresh energy and once again showing his golden touch. Piero Hincapie equalized just minutes after the restart, and it felt as if the team regained its confidence. Yet one question remains: How many times does Bayer want to make things difficult for themselves this season?

The numbers tell a clear story: nine goals conceded in four games. For a team that only let in 24 goals across 34 matches last season, this is a real wake-up call. Not only Granit Xhaka, but many fans are concerned. It’s great to have a thrilling attack, but when the defense is leaking like a sieve, you have to ask how long this will hold up. Comparing this season’s defensive performance to the title-winning stability of last year is almost painful. Where there was once discipline and structure, there is now inconsistency and carelessness.

At least the offense keeps fighting to secure the three points, which is one major bright spot in this young season. Newcomer Victor Boniface, with his last-minute goal that once again sent the BayArena into raptures, is showing he’s not only a great scorer but also has nerves of steel. It was his third crucial goal in the dying moments already this season – a true ace up Xabi Alonso’s sleeve. But while fans celebrated the late redemption, many couldn’t shake an uneasy feeling: If the defense continues like this, things could get tough against the upcoming opponents, especially Bayern Munich.

Of course, it's wonderful to see the offense clicking so well. Players like Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick regularly create magical moments that lift you out of your seat. But when the defense wobbles so badly behind them, you have to wonder how long this balancing act can last. Three goals conceded against RB Leipzig, and now another three against Wolfsburg. It feels like Leverkusen still hasn’t found the right balance. Dominance in possession and creativity going forward are in stark contrast to a fragile backline that regularly puts itself on the back foot.

So what’s the solution? Xabi Alonso and his team now face a crucial phase. With an away match against Bayern Munich and a Champions League clash with AC Milan looming, these will be real tests. The time for experiments is over. Leverkusen needs to solidify defensively if they want to avoid being ruthlessly picked apart in these upcoming challenges. The key will be finding the right balance between attacking flair and defensive discipline. That won't be easy – but if you know Bayer 04, you know this team is capable of surprises.

Until then, fans can only hope that the Werkself will show a strong response against the record champions. Maybe the prospect of a big game will bring the sharpness back to the defense. One thing is for sure: it’s going to be exciting. But maybe a slightly less nerve-wracking game would be a nice change of pace for once.

When the Cauldron Boils Over: How Bayer 04 Silenced Feyenoord and Took Rotterdam by Storm

It was a Champions League night that could hardly have gone better for Bayer Leverkusen. In the lead-up to their match against Feyenoord Rotterdam, expectations were high: a legendary stadium known for its raucous fans and a Dutch side that consistently ranks among the Eredivisie’s elite. But what Bayer Leverkusen delivered on the pitch stunned even the most diehard Feyenoord supporters—and it only took five minutes.

The atmosphere at De Kuip, that concrete fortress echoing with techno beats and anticipation, was exactly as one would expect: loud, intense, and with the sense that Feyenoord would dominate. Yet, Leverkusen had different plans. Rather than crumbling under the pressure, Xabi Alonso’s side played as if they were completely unfazed by the noise. Right from the start, one man took control—the player upon whom Leverkusen’s hopes often rest: Florian Wirtz.

Displaying joy and composure, Wirtz dealt Feyenoord an early blow. Just five minutes in, he calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net, quickly dampening the red-and-white euphoria in the stands. It would not be his only moment in the spotlight—while Feyenoord was still reeling from the shock, Leverkusen was just getting started.

Wirtz’s story on this night was one of dreams. It was his first-ever appearance in the Champions League, a stage he had long been eager to conquer but was delayed by injuries. Determined to prove he is not just a talent for the future, but already a star at the highest level, Wirtz made his mark. His second goal in the 36th minute even made German football history. No German player had ever scored twice on their Champions League debut. It was a night where Wirtz didn’t just conquer Rotterdam; he wrote himself into the history books.

But to focus solely on Wirtz would be unfair. The entire team showed the ruthless efficiency required to succeed in the Champions League. Leverkusen took nearly every opportunity that came their way with a clinical precision that left Feyenoord without hope. Alejandro Grimaldo and a Timon Wellenreuther own goal made it 4-0 by halftime, as the Dutch side struggled to keep up.

What’s particularly telling about this game is how it reflects Bayer Leverkusen’s current trajectory. Under Xabi Alonso, the team has evolved into a side that not only plays attractive, attacking football but also exudes efficiency. They have been challenging at the top of the Bundesliga since the start of the season, and this Champions League performance shows they are ready to take on Europe’s elite. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement.

Even though the second half was quieter, with Leverkusen managing the game rather than pushing for more, Feyenoord never found a way back into the contest. The occasional offensive efforts from the Dutch side were calmly dealt with by Leverkusen’s defense and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

This victory also highlights Bayer Leverkusen’s squad depth. Players like Aleix Garcia and Jeanuel Belocian were given their first minutes on the European stage and slotted seamlessly into the team. It’s clear that this season, Bayer 04 doesn’t just have a strong starting eleven but also a deep bench that can compete both in the Champions League and the Bundesliga.

Now, with this perfect start behind them, Leverkusen’s gaze shifts to their next challenge: AC Milan. A classic European football fixture awaits. Before that, however, they will face VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga and then a high-stakes clash with Bayern Munich. After their Rotterdam performance, one thing is certain: Bayer 04 Leverkusen is a team capable of achieving great things this season—no matter how hot the cauldron may be.

Boniface brace and the art of closing out a game with ease

Bayer Leverkusen is back on track after a commanding 4-1 away win against Hoffenheim. Following the defeat to Leipzig before the international break, one might have expected the Werkself to show some signs of wear and tear, but the opposite was true. Victor Boniface, now the team's reliable goal machine, delivered a masterclass with two goals and an assist, a performance that can only be described as "champion-like." You could almost say that Boniface has made scoring braces a lifestyle this season.

It became clear early on that Bayer was not going to let anything slip in this match. Martin Terrier, one of the new signings, opened the scoring after a nice assist from – who else – Boniface. The VAR had to intervene briefly to check for a possible offside, but the goal stood, and Bayer was on its way. The first half moved at a brisk pace, with Leverkusen controlling the game and allowing Hoffenheim only brief moments to shine. While Mergim Berisha managed to pull one back for the hosts, the Werkself never truly looked threatened.

In the second half, Bayer slowed the tempo slightly but still maintained control. When Florian Wirtz was brought down in the box and coolly converted the resulting penalty himself, Hoffenheim’s resistance was broken. Just three minutes later, Boniface added another goal, securing the 4-1 win and putting the game to bed. It was not only his second goal of the match but also a clear message that Bayer had fully subdued their opponents.

There were other positives besides the goal-scoring stars. New arrival Nordi Mukiele made his debut and handled his duties well in the final minutes. Terrier, who scored his first Bundesliga goal, is also finding his rhythm in the team. With this squad depth, Leverkusen looks primed to make waves this season. Xabi Alonso seems to have made the necessary adjustments after the Leipzig defeat, as his team looked focused, structured, and showed very few weaknesses, aside from a brief wobble before halftime.

Statistically, this victory in Sinsheim marks another milestone: The Werkself is now unbeaten in 19 Bundesliga away matches, an achievement impressive enough to earn a nod of approval even from Bayern Munich fans. It was also the first time Bayer has started a Bundesliga season with two consecutive away wins. Victor Boniface, meanwhile, is well on his way to becoming the face of Leverkusen’s attack in the weeks and months ahead – if he isn’t already. With his two goals and an assist in Sinsheim, he demonstrated just how dangerous he can be for opposing defenses.

The next challenges are just around the corner. On Thursday, Bayer faces Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Champions League, followed by a Bundesliga clash with VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday. One thing is clear: With a performance like the one against Hoffenheim, Bayer has nothing to fear in either Europe or the league. If Boniface and company continue playing at this level, this season could end up being a very special chapter in the club’s history. Leverkusen has made an impressive comeback – and this could be only the beginning.

462 days later: Leipzig ends Bayer's unbeaten run

It could have gone on so beautifully! Bayer 04 had been unbeaten in the Bundesliga for over a year, but Leipzig came along and ended the streak after 462 days – naturally with a dramatic 3-2 scoreline. This showdown with RB Leipzig turned out, as expected, to be another spectacle. For the third consecutive match between these two teams, five goals were scored. This time, however, it was a disappointment for Werkself fans as the Saxons came back from 0-2 to take the win.

The start of the game looked promising. Bayer 04 came out firing, and Jeremie Frimpong scored a well-deserved opener in the 39th minute. Alejandro Grimaldo followed up with a precise finish just before halftime, making it 2-0! But before fans could even grab their halftime snacks, Kevin Kampl had already cut the deficit in stoppage time. This moment would prove to be a game-changer.

The second half? A nightmare for Leverkusen supporters. Leipzig returned from the break with serious momentum and began piling pressure on the Werkself. First, Lois Openda scored the equalizer, and then he added the winning goal. A quick double strike that handed Bayer their first league defeat in what felt like forever. An equalizer? It never came, despite all efforts.

Coach Xabi Alonso offered a straightforward analysis: "After the 2-0 lead, we lost control and gave Leipzig too much space." This was the key issue – the defense, usually so solid, was porous against Leipzig’s attack. Jonathan Tah was blunt in his assessment: "We fell asleep in some situations." You simply can’t afford these kinds of lapses in the Bundesliga, especially not against a team like Leipzig, who ruthlessly capitalize on mistakes.

The post-game numbers: 62% possession, 26:8 shots, and 18:2 corners in favor of Bayer 04. That sounds like an easy win – if only football were that simple! All that dominance amounted to nothing, as the opponent was given too much freedom in the most critical moments.

Now it’s time to catch a breath. The first international break of the season is here, giving Bayer 04 a chance to heal their wounds. Several players will be on international duty, while Xabi Alonso prepares the rest of the squad for the next challenges. On September 14, Bayer heads to Sinsheim to face Hoffenheim – an opportunity to correct the rocky start and kickstart a new unbeaten run.