Header, Horror, Hopeless – A Night to Forget in Munich

It could have been a Champions League classic. A blockbuster German duel, the unstoppable Werkself against a struggling Bayern side, Xabi Alonso versus Vincent Kompany – all of Europe watching. And then? Well, then Bayer 04 put on a performance that felt more like a dress rehearsal gone wrong rather than a big premiere. A 0-3 defeat in Munich. Not quite what we had in mind.

Losing happens. Especially in Munich. The Bundesliga is full of teams that know this pain all too well. But some defeats leave you wondering, "How did that happen?" And then there are games like this one, where the answer is painfully obvious. It all started early: nine minutes in, Olise sends in a cross, Kane nods it home – 1-0. Leverkusen had barely settled into the match, and already they were chasing.

But credit where it's due, Bayer wasn’t playing badly. Jeremie Frimpong had a golden chance to equalize, but Manuel Neuer did what he does best – denied it with a brilliant save. From then on, the game became scrappy, full of fouls and yellow cards. Tense, but manageable. At halftime, 1-0 down, still everything to play for. But then came the moment that defined the night: Kovar’s unfortunate mistake, Musiala pounced – 2-0. And just like that, the fight seemed to drain away.

When Nordi Mukiele saw a second yellow card, it was clear: this wasn’t going to be Leverkusen’s night. Then, just to make things worse, Edmond Tapsoba decided to wrap his arms around Harry Kane like a long-lost friend in the penalty box. The result? A penalty, a Kane goal, and a final score of 0-3. Ouch.

It would be easy to point fingers at individual players, but the truth is, this was a collective collapse. And to be fair, this team has given us nothing but world-class performances all season. So why not believe in them for the second leg? Sure, a 0-3 deficit is brutal, but football has seen crazier comebacks. Or, in Alonso’s own words: "We have to come back."

So, let’s wipe the slate clean, take care of Bremen in the Bundesliga, and then throw everything at Bayern in the return leg. The Champions League has written some legendary underdog stories. Why shouldn’t Bayer 04 be the next one?

Frankfurt Crushed – Now Comes the Real Test!

Bayer 04 has won away from home again. No, scratch that—Frankfurt was absolutely dismantled in a 4-1 victory that felt more like a casual training session. 29 Bundesliga away games unbeaten? That’s not just a streak; that’s practically a law of nature! While neutral fans might wonder if this dominance is getting boring, we just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Frankfurt, usually a force to be reckoned with at home, probably thought they could give Leverkusen a tough fight. But this Xabi Alonso team doesn’t get rattled—especially not when their opponents make it this easy. Nathan Tella kicked things off with a cool finish after a pinpoint pass from Granit Xhaka. If you thought that was impressive, you had no idea what was coming. Nordi Mukiele scrambled one in after a corner—doesn’t matter how they go in, they all count. And then came Patrik Schick, finishing off a slick Grimaldo setup with the confidence of a striker who knows exactly where the goal is. 3-0 after 33 minutes—thanks for playing, Eintracht!

But because Bayer isn’t just the best team in the league but also a team that enjoys a little drama, they gifted Frankfurt a goal before halftime. Mukiele, perhaps just trying to keep things interesting, played a way-too-casual back pass to Lukas Hradecky, and Hugo Ekitiké gladly accepted the invitation. A mistake? Sure. A problem? Not when you’re scoring at will.

And that’s exactly what Bayer kept doing. Frankfurt came out after the break fired up, but against this Leverkusen side, effort alone won’t cut it. So Aleix Garcia decided to end any remaining hope with a stunning 22-meter volley for the 4-1. What a strike—signature goal material! After that, Bayer slowed things down, controlled the game, and let the traveling fans enjoy yet another masterclass on the road.

But as sweet as this win was, the real test is yet to come. On Wednesday, it’s Bayern Munich in the Champions League—a true showdown. Is Bayer 04 ready for the next big step in Europe? After this performance in Frankfurt, we say: Why the hell not?

"Moin, Meister!" – Bayer Takes Care of Business in Kiel

Bayer 04 cruised to a 2-0 win in Kiel—without breaking much of a sweat. It was the kind of game that felt like a well-planned move: you knew what needed to be done, executed everything smoothly, and in the end, every piece of furniture was exactly where it belonged. Holstein Kiel welcomed the reigning champions with open arms, but it quickly became clear that Leverkusen was simply playing in a different league—quite literally.

Because let’s be honest: the Holstein-Stadion feels more like a cozy second-division living room than a Bundesliga arena. Uneven pitch, tight dressing rooms—Bayer looked like a tourist who had accidentally wandered into the wrong league. But instead of complaining, the Werkself just got on with it. Patrik Schick opened the scoring early after a nice assist from Amine Adli, who marked his return to the starting lineup with a performance full of flair. Just before halftime, he added one himself—a delightful chip that floated into the net as gently as a seagull landing on the beach.

After the break? Bayer did what was necessary, but no more. Why should they? The Storks flapped their wings but never really threatened. Xabi Alonso’s team controlled the game with the calmness of a team that knows exactly how good it is. This was a typical "business-as-usual" win—the football equivalent of a well-organized spreadsheet, just with a bit more style.

With three points in the bag, the next stop is Frankfurt. The atmosphere there will be completely different, and the game will probably bring more fireworks than this routine victory up north. But one thing is clear: no matter where Bayer 04 plays—Kiel, Frankfurt, or anywhere else in Germany—this team looks unstoppable. And let’s be honest—that feels pretty damn good!

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.

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.

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!

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.