Grimaldo Sees Red, but Bayer Stays on Top – A Workmanlike Victory with Style

There are games that don’t necessarily fall into the "fireworks and spectacle" category but still end with three crucial points. And let’s be honest: these are exactly the matches a championship team needs to win. Bayer 04 defeated Hoffenheim 3-1, proving once again that even when things don’t go entirely to plan, this team remains unfazed. A bit of efficiency here, a dash of individual brilliance there, and another Bundesliga victory is secured.

It was one of those weeks that would have any Werkself fan struggling to catch their breath: a Champions League match, new transfers, transfer chaos (Boniface leaving? Come on, nobody really believed that), and a tricky game against a Hoffenheim side that fluctuates between “annoyingly tough opponent” and “should we just mail them the three points?”

But Bayer being Bayer, the team approached the match with its usual swagger. Fifteen minutes in, Boniface silenced all transfer rumors by smashing the ball into the net—because that’s what he does. Minutes later, Frimpong turned on the afterburners, left Hoffenheim’s defense in the dust, and coolly made it 2-0. So clinical, even Bayern Munich might start feeling nervous.

Hoffenheim? Mostly busy chasing shadows in the first half. Sure, there was some VAR drama, a penalty decision overturned, and the first-ever live referee announcement in Bundesliga history (which probably made the TV broadcasters happier than the players), but overall, Bayer was in total control. And if Nathan Tella hadn’t gone off injured, things might have gotten even worse for the visitors. But no worries—we had another ace up our sleeve: Patrik Schick.

With Boniface off after halftime, Schick wasted no time making his mark, instinctively finishing to make it 3-0. When you have two strikers of this caliber, offensive firepower is never an issue. But because Bayer Leverkusen wouldn’t be Bayer Leverkusen without a bit of drama, Alejandro Grimaldo decided to spice things up with a rash challenge, earning himself a second yellow and an early shower.

Suddenly, Hoffenheim had a lifeline, and they took advantage of the extra man with a quick goal to pull it back to 3-1. But unlike in previous seasons, Bayer didn’t panic. No chaotic defending, no nervy last-minute collapses—just a composed, professional effort to see out the win. A sign of maturity, a sign of a team with bigger ambitions.

And so, another three points are in the bag. Next up: a fiery DFB-Pokal quarterfinal clash against 1. FC Köln. A derby that promises emotion and intensity. But if Bayer 04 has proven one thing this season, it’s the ability to stay cool when things heat up.