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.