A Heart for Suspense – Just Without the Happy Ending!

It's almost maddening: Bayer heads up to Bremen, takes the lead twice, and just as victory feels within reach, they end up returning to the Rhineland with only a single point. You’d almost think the team wanted to keep fans' adrenaline pumping to the last second. In some fairytale version of football, it’s sweet when the underdog manages a late equalizer. But for anyone who had to live through this weekend as a Bayer fan, a bit of stability in the closing minutes would be greatly appreciated.

Right from the start, this match promised fireworks. The floodlights at Bremen’s Weserstadion set a perfect stage, while Xabi Alonso surprised us with a starting eleven boasting seven changes from the Champions League draw against Stade Brest. And if you think rotation is a calming tactic, you don’t know Leverkusen. Victor Boniface wasted no time making his mark, converting a sharp cross from Frimpong to take an early lead. But that lead, however sweet, didn’t last long enough for us to enjoy a calm second half.

Bremen, equipped with indomitable fighting spirit, came back swinging in the second half. It wasn’t the first time we fans had to sweat through a powerful header, and Ducksch’s equalizer certainly raised the pulse. It was one of those “maybe things will calm down now” moments. But of course not. Leverkusen immediately upped the tempo, finding themselves back in front thanks to a bit of luck and a Bremener’s own goal. It was an odd one, sure, but just maybe the kind of luck you need for a solid away win.

Still, calm endings seem to evade us lately. Just like in the Champions League, we failed to hold onto a lead, and Bremen didn’t let up. When Romano Schmid sent his shot home in the 90th minute, the disappointment on the Leverkusen side was palpable. After so much effort to protect the lead, seeing it slip away in the last moment stung.

The return of the "draw curse" is certainly wearing on us. This team is overflowing with potential—as we saw in Bremen time and again. Our offensive trio of Boniface, Wirtz, and Frimpong sparkles with energy and danger, yet sometimes struggles to turn that excitement into results. Frimpong’s tribute to his injured teammate Adli was a beautiful moment that underscored the team’s solidarity. And with Lukas Hradecky celebrating his 200th Bundesliga game, we’re grateful for the Bayer legend in goal who continues to give his all, game after game.

What remains is to look forward. It’s early in the season, the challenges are growing, and the team has shown they’re capable of exceptional performances. This week brings two home games—a chance to regain the stability we need. Fans can look forward to the upcoming Cup clash against Elversberg and the Bundesliga showdown with Stuttgart. Both are opportunities to see Bayer in winning form once again—and, hopefully, to celebrate a satisfying happy ending.