Full Throttle from Second One – The Werkself Rockets into 2025

Well, who wanted a slow start to the new year? Bayer 04 certainly didn’t. While most of us were still sweeping away the remnants of New Year’s fireworks, Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick decided to put on their own pyrotechnic display at Signal Iduna Park. A 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund, who hadn’t lost at home this Bundesliga season, wasn’t just a good result on paper—it was the perfect statement to kick off the new year with swagger and confidence. But honestly, at this point, are we even surprised by this team anymore?

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical significance here: Borussia Dortmund, as fortress-like at home as grandma’s Sunday roast, hadn’t lost a Friday night game at home in nearly 21 years. And then came Bayer. The Werkself showed up, played their game, and did what they’ve been doing best for months now: executing their plan, outsmarting opponents, and doing it all with a level of confidence that’s almost scary. Nathan Tella wasted no time, scoring within 30 seconds, and Patrik Schick’s double before the 19th minute sealed Dortmund’s fate. It was clear early on—this wasn’t going to be Dortmund’s night.

Sure, the BVB defense was patched together like a makeshift quilt. But that’s not our problem. If Dortmund’s backline looked shaky, it’s only natural for Bayer to exploit it. This is top-level football—mistakes get punished. And when you’re up against a player like Patrik Schick, who’s currently in god-mode form, it’s going to rain goals.

What stood out the most, though, wasn’t just the individual brilliance, but the collective maturity of the Werkself. We’re talking about a team that only had 35% possession—and still controlled the game. How, you ask? Xabi Alonso explained it perfectly after the match: control without the ball. Pressing in the right areas, smart defensive organization, and a level of discipline that makes you sit back and admire. It wasn’t always flashy, but it was ruthlessly effective. Even the late penalty that gave Dortmund their second goal couldn’t shake Bayer’s composure. This wasn’t just a display of a title-winning mentality—it was a showcase of a team that’s ready to keep climbing.

And then there’s Schick, the Czech tornado. Six goals in his last 90 league minutes, 11 goals in total this season. The man is hotter than a New Year’s Eve fondue pot. But it’s not just Schick stealing the show. Frimpong, Tella, and others are stepping up game after game. This squad has reached a depth and versatility that’s frankly intimidating. Whoever is missing gets replaced—not just adequately, but seamlessly.

This victory is more than just three points. It’s a statement. It says: “We’re here, and we’re ready.” Ready for Bayern, who are currently just one point ahead. Ready for the rest of the league, who better start bracing themselves. And ready for a season that might bring even more excitement than the last one—if that’s even possible.

What’s next? Two home games against Mainz and Gladbach in quick succession. Two opportunities to extend this incredible winning streak and tighten the gap at the top of the table. The Werkself is ready—and as fans, we better be too. If this was just the opening act, 2025 is shaping up to be one hell of a ride.