Five-Star Werkself – When the Champions League Feels Like a Training Match

What a night at the BayArena! You could almost believe Bayer 04 signed an exclusive deal with UEFA: “Spectacular football with a goal guarantee.” A 5-0 victory against FC Salzburg, delivered with a swagger that bordered on cheeky. As a Bayer fan, you find yourself pinching your arm these days. When was the last time a Champions League evening felt less like a heart-pounding rollercoaster and more like a casual kickabout in the backyard? Salzburg, a team with pedigree and quality, wasn’t just beaten—they were dismantled. It feels like Xabi Alonso has built a team that peaks at just the right moments while putting on a show for the fans.

This wasn’t just a routine win; it was an exhibition. From the first minute, the team showed they weren’t just there to grab three points—they were there to give the fans their money’s worth. Possession? Dominated. Passing? Laser-sharp. Goals? Works of art. The opening penalty was relatively routine, but what followed was pure spectacle. Grimaldo’s free-kick was straight out of a highlight reel, Wirtz dribbled like he’d walked out of a street football video, and Schick and Garcia rounded off the night in style. It felt like everyone wanted their moment in the spotlight, contributing to a near-perfect script. And all of it without the usual nail-biting suspense that Leverkusen fans know all too well.

Of course, with all this success, the inevitable question looms: Can they maintain this level? This team feels different—more composed, more mature. Players like Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka bring a perfect blend of youthful flair and cool-headed experience. Even Alonso’s decision to bring on young talents for their Champions League debuts shows that this isn’t just about short-term glory; it’s about building something for the future. It feels like Bayer 04 has finally arrived—not just in the Champions League, but in a new era.

Still, as beautiful as this snapshot is, football is unpredictable, and the upcoming fixtures will be a test of this team’s mettle. Union Berlin is waiting this weekend, and then there’s Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal—a pair of games as different as they are challenging. Now is no time to relax. But one thing is clear: this Werkself has given us a performance to remember.

As a fan, there’s only one thing left to say: Keep it coming!