A Handful of Changes, Full Throttle Performance

In the cup match against Elversberg, Bayer Leverkusen delivered exactly what fans want to see when a Bundesliga team faces a second-division opponent: dominance, efficiency, and loads of focus. Patrik Schick made it clear early on that Bayer was aiming to advance to the round of 16 without any bumps along the way, scoring twice in the first ten minutes. Schick opened the scoring and doubled up just minutes later, showing that he’s got his striker’s instinct back after his injury pause.

This game also allowed head coach Xabi Alonso to mix up positions and manage player load, making a full eight changes to the starting lineup. Those given the nod were quick to seize their moment. From the outset, Bayer controlled the ball and demonstrated the kind of confidence that highlighted the difference in league levels. Aleix Garcia, a new addition more known for his precision in passing than scoring, dazzled fans with a superb free-kick goal for the 3-0 lead. His finish left the crowd cheering and showed just how versatile he could be for the team.

Elversberg managed more possession in the second half, but it wasn’t cause for concern. Bayer slowed the pace yet maintained control and allowed the visitors little space to work with. Ultimately, Bayer had everything under wraps. Alonso could even afford to offer a special moment to another up-and-coming talent: Francis Onyeka, a homegrown Leverkusen player, made his professional debut in a brief late cameo – a nice touch for the fans in what was ultimately a comfortable, expected win.

Even if matches like these are called "routine tasks," every football fan knows they sometimes end up being the trickiest games. But Bayer handled this one with ease. The depth of the bench gives Alonso the chance to rotate without losing quality. Seeing Schick, who hadn’t been in peak scoring form in the league, shine here is just the boost the team will need heading into upcoming league and Champions League challenges. Fans also celebrated Schick’s quick-fire goals, especially since this performance pushes him into Bayer’s top ten all-time scorers – a remarkable feat that underscores his value, despite his injury setbacks.

While this match might not be remembered as one of the season's most thrilling, Bayer once again proved how smoothly the squad is working together. Before the halftime break, they showed patience, excellent balance, and just the right intensity when it counted. The recent league hiccup against Bremen looks to be resolved, and the team is now playing with the necessary confidence. That’s crucial, as the next few opponents will pose very different challenges: first Stuttgart, then Liverpool, and then Bochum. With the Pokal’s round of 16 ahead, everything is still in play for Bayer.