Destination: Round of 16 – Bayer 04 Cruises Through

There we go! Bayer 04 is in the Champions League Round of 16 – and without the nerve-wracking detour of the play-offs. A confident 2-0 win over Sparta Prague was enough to secure sixth place in the league phase, granting a direct ticket to the knockout stage. And as a little cherry on top: Bayer 04 is the only German team to pull this off. Bayern? Dortmund? All still stuck in play-off purgatory. But us? We sit back, sip our well-earned UCL espresso, and casually wait for the draw.

The match itself? A controlled, professional performance – the kind that makes you feel at ease as a fan. Xabi Alonso shuffled his lineup, with Matej Kovar getting the nod in goal. A sentimental choice, given his Sparta Prague past? Maybe. But more than anything, it was proof of the squad’s depth and trust in every player. And that trust paid off quickly. Shots from Xhaka, Tah, and Schick within the opening minutes made it clear that Sparta was in for a long night. It was one of those games where you knew Bayer would score – it was only a matter of time.

And, of course, Florian Wirtz delivered. After 32 minutes, our midfield magician calmly slotted the ball into the net following a slick assist from Jeremie Frimpong, the Bundesliga’s fastest delivery service. Sparta, already struggling to hold on, now had an even bigger mountain to climb. And when Nathan Tella pounced on a rebound in the 64th minute to make it 2-0, the visitors were essentially out of options. Bayer, meanwhile, controlled the game with the confidence of a team that knows exactly how good it is.

So, the Round of 16 awaits – no unnecessary extra games, no stress. While Dortmund and Bayern nervously prepare for their play-offs, Xabi Alonso and his team can focus on refining their game. And let’s be honest: Europe should be getting nervous. This Werkself isn’t just here to participate – they’re here to make a statement. See you in the knockouts, with Wirtz magic, Frimpong pace, and a team ready to take on the best.