One Hofmann doesn't make a summer

Bayer 04 has done it: with a narrow 1-0 victory over the regional league side FC Carl Zeiss Jena, the Werkself advances to the second round of the DFB-Pokal. However, the titleholders had a harder time than expected and displayed a mixed performance in Jena. Jonas Hofmann was the sole sharp shooter of the evening, heading in the decisive goal from a precise cross by Alejandro Grimaldo.

Xabi Alonso made significant changes, rotating his squad with seven changes from the starting lineup that saw a 3-2 victory in their Bundesliga opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Matej Kovar replaced the ill Lukas Hradecky in goal, and there were several other adjustments in defense and midfield. Fans did not see Victor Boniface and Martin Terrier on the pitch, as both players were suspended. However, the inclusion of three U19 players in the squad provided a glimpse into the future for the fans.

Bayer 04 appeared to have control of the game right from the start, with plenty of possession and confident passing to try to break down Jena’s compact defense. Amine Adli was unlucky in the 16th minute, hitting the post. Jena, however, did not make it easy for the Werkself, defending with determination and often pushing forward with courage. Leverkusen struggled to impose their game and went into halftime with a goalless draw.

After the break, Alonso brought on Alejandro Grimaldo, who immediately added fresh energy to the game. The Spaniard made his presence felt right away, providing the perfect cross in the 52nd minute for Jonas Hofmann to head Bayer 04 into a 1-0 lead. Following this, Bayer 04 seemed more focused on controlling the game rather than extending their lead. In the 65th minute, Matej Kovar made a crucial save to deny Seidemann the equalizer, but Leverkusen had to endure a tense finish. In stoppage time, Jena’s Muqaj missed a close-range opportunity, much to the relief of the Leverkusen side.

In the end, it was a hard-fought win for Bayer 04 Leverkusen—certainly not one for the history books, but it ensured their progress in the cup. The narrow victory against a spirited regional league team shows that there are still some adjustments to be made to meet their high standards. Next up for the Werkself is a major challenge on Saturday against RB Leipzig, and Xabi Alonso will be hoping his players regain their sharpness and freshness by then.

But it wasn't just about the game itself: the team wore black armbands in memory of the recently deceased Christoph Daum, who had a significant impact on the club in the late 1990s. Additionally, the players sported the German Cancer Aid logo on their sleeves to celebrate the charity's 50th anniversary and raise awareness for its valuable work.

All in all, Bayer 04 accomplished their mission in the DFB-Pokal, but there is clearly room for improvement. This narrow win might serve as a timely wake-up call, as the season is still young and the toughest tests are yet to come. Let’s hope the Werkself can bring more flair to the pitch in the next match—hopefully with a bit more comfort for the fans' nerves.

Last-Minute Madness: When Bayer 04 really warms up only after the 90th Minute

Bayer Leverkusen kicked off the new Bundesliga season with a heart-stopping finale that tested even the toughest nerves. In their away match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the Werkself secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in literally the last second, seamlessly continuing their streak of crazy endings from last season.

In the first half, Leverkusen quickly showed they hadn’t forgotten how to score. Granit Xhaka opened the scoring with a stunning long-range shot that silenced the packed Borussia-Park. Not long after, Florian Wirtz added to the tally, confirming his brilliant form from last season. The hosts from Mönchengladbach, initially hesitant, gradually found their footing and impressively fought back.

After the break, the game’s dynamic shifted. Nico Elvedi pulled one back for the Foals, making it 1-2, and suddenly the game was wide open again. The tension rose, and an open exchange developed, where Leverkusen briefly seemed to lose control. Tim Kleindienst took advantage of one of these moments and scored the equalizer, sparking hope for a draw among the Gladbach fans. But Bayer 04 wouldn't be Bayer 04 if they didn’t save their best for injury time.

In a crazy finale lasting 101 minutes, the decision was finally made. A foul by Ko Itakura on Amine Adli led to a VAR-reviewed penalty for Leverkusen. Florian Wirtz stepped up, initially denied by the brilliantly reacting Jonas Omlin, but he took advantage of the rebound to push the ball over the line and secure all three points.

This win in Mönchengladbach shows that Leverkusen is ready to continue the hunt for their next title, even if it sometimes requires a bit of luck and a fair amount of added time. The season promises to be exciting if Bayer Leverkusen continues this trend. Up next, the team faces Carl Zeiss Jena in the DFB-Pokal and shortly after, a Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig — and we can only wait to see if the late goals will play a role in the upcoming matches.

One thing is certain: For fans with weak nerves, this season could be a real challenge. But for everyone else, it promises plenty of excitement, thrills, and certainly more of that typical Bayer madness.

The 2024/25 never champions season prediction

The new season is just around the corner, time to publish my never-master season predictions. As always, you are welcome to praise or criticize my forecasting skills at the end of the season.

Last season's predictions were consistent in that I correctly predicted three out of four Champions League contenders, and four out of five last year. I wasn't particularly good at predicting relegation in the past. This had improved very, very slightly in the meantime, because during the Corona period I had correctly predicted both directly relegated teams. In the year before last, on the other hand, both of my direct relegation candidates stayed in the league. Last season, however, I correctly predicted at least one of the two direct relegation candidates

And here are my run-in expectations for the coming 2024/25 season:

1) Dose Leipzig: I think Leipzig have learned from previous years. The squad has many players with potential and seems to be slowly internalizing the coach's system.

2) Bayern Munich: Bayern are trying to be the measure of all things, but the squad is far too big despite the triple burden, which quickly causes unrest and loss of points.

3) Bayer Leverkusen: With the current squad, we should be able to make it into the Champions League again. We are once again considered by many to be the secret favorite, but realistically we have to learn how to deal with defeats this year.

4) Borussia Dortmund: Last season and missing out on the title are still having an impact. Some leaders have left the club and the new additions harbor a certain risk potential.

5) VfB Stuttgart: The team certainly played beyond its capabilities last year. The new additions must show that they can compensate for the departures. With the coach, however, international competition is definitely on the cards.

6) Eintracht Frankfurt: I fear that the latest transfers have weakened the team. The coach is the first shaky candidate in the league, despite sympathy. After that, there could be stabilization and an international place.

7) SC Freiburg: Consistency will also stand out this year. The new coach should achieve a place in the upper midfield, even if expectations in Breisgau have risen recently.

8) Hoffenheim: Difficult to assess, but certainly stronger than last year. However, not much has changed compared to last year. The unrest within the club remains. The illusion of qualifying for the international stage has evaporated.

9) VfL Wolfsburg: With the coach, there is enough room to improve further this year. But nothing more.

10) Borussia M'Gladbach: I still think the coach is great, but the environment is not. Nevertheless, Borussia should at least manage to establish itself in the secure midfield, which can be seen as a success compared to previous years.

11) Mainz 05: After the difficult previous season, Mainz will finish in a secure mid-table position this time. The return to their old home strength should secure enough points.

12) Union Berlin: In the season before last, Union certainly played above their own limit, last year below. However, the Köpenickers are too solid to collapse again.

13) Werder Bremen: The ongoing personnel discussions and financial necessities bring uncertainty, at least at the start of the season. But it should be enough this time, as the team is stronger than the rest of the teams below it.

14) FC Augsburg: Augsburg is a miracle team. Actually, this not-superior team can't tear anymore. The team was supposed to be in the relegation battle the whole time, but somehow they manage to stay in the league again.

15) VfL Bochum: The euphoria in Bochum is good for the decisive points after relegation despite the cup exit. This year will be difficult again, but relegation will be avoided.

16.) FC St. Pauli: It's always difficult when you're promoted. However, the team is stronger than Heidenheim and Kiel in terms of personnel. The fascination of the Millerntor provides the decisive points that are enough for relegation.

17) Heidenheim: Yes, the second year after promotion should also show the bitter reality for Heidenheim. The carefree soccer is over, some key players are no longer there. That will lead to direct relegation.

18) Holstein Kiel: The team is the clear underdog and almost everyone has it as relegation candidate number 1. But that offers the chance to pick up a point or two away from home. It won't be enough.

The trophy cabinet now also knows the Supercup - We can still make a comeback

The new season begins for Bayer 04 Leverkusen just as the old one ended - with a title! In a nerve-wracking Supercup final against VfB Stuttgart, the Werkself ultimately prevailed in a penalty shoot-out after an intense duel. For all those who still have their fingernails: Congratulations! Because the first competitive match of the 2024/25 season was a tough one.

Bayer started the game with a lot of energy and Victor Boniface put the Werkself ahead in the 11th minute. After a neatly taken corner, the ball landed with Edmond Tapsoba, whose header Victor Boniface only had to push over the line. But before the fans could celebrate taking the lead, Stuttgart struck back just four minutes later. Enzo Millot took advantage of a lapse of concentration in the Leverkusen defense and equalized with a low shot.

The game then really picked up pace. This was followed by a momentous scene that would complicate the match for the Werkself: Martin Terrier was shown the red card after a hard tackle on Demirovic and Bayer were outnumbered from then on. Stuttgart, who were already playing under pressure, gained the upper hand thanks to their superior numbers and deservedly scored in the second half through Deniz Undav to make it 2:1. For a moment, it looked as if the Swabians would win the Supercup title.

But Bayer 04 wouldn't be Bayer 04 if they didn't have another arrow in their quiver. Despite being outnumbered, Xabi Alonso's team showed impressive morale. In the final minutes of normal time, Patrik Schick scored a typical last-minute goal to provide the redemptive equalizer. A perfect pass from Grimaldo, a quick turn from Schick and the ball was in the net.

In the penalty shoot-out that followed, Leverkusen showed all their coolness. While all the Werkself shooters converted safely, Lukas Hradecky kept his nerve in goal and saved one of Stuttgart's attempts. When Silas then shot the last penalty well over the goal, the Supercup victory was perfect. It was the first Super Cup title in Bayer 04 Leverkusen's history - and when you consider that it used to be Bayern who won such titles, it feels twice as good.

After this successful start, the focus now turns to the Bundesliga opener. Borussia Mönchengladbach await next Friday, and the Werkself will go into this match with a broad chest. Because one thing is certain: this team has comeback qualities that will certainly provide some exciting moments in the league. Morale is high and nerves are strong.

Double Delight: Bayer 04 at the Pinnacle of Happiness!

It was a final that made the hearts of Bayer 04 fans race. Compared to the UEFA Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo on Wednesday, which ended in a 0-3 defeat, head coach Xabi Alonso made six changes to the starting lineup. Lukas Hradecky replaced Matej Kovar in goal, and Odilon Kossounou, Robert Andrich, Alejandro Grimaldo, Jonas Hofmann, and Patrik Schick were new additions.

Granit Xhaka gave the Werkself the lead with a dream goal in the 16th minute. Kaiserslautern tried from the start to put Bayer 04 under pressure with high pressing, but the Werkself remained unfazed and dominated with plenty of possession. Jeremie Frimpong made an early statement by getting past two Lautern players on the right side but was denied by goalkeeper Julian Krahl. A few minutes later, Florian Wirtz also tried his luck but couldn't beat Krahl either. Then came the big moment: Xhaka struck from distance and perfectly placed the ball in the top corner.

After taking the lead, Bayer 04 continued to control the game while Kaiserslautern retreated deep into their own half. Patrik Schick had another good opportunity, but the FCK defense cleared at the last moment. Defensively, the Werkself stood firm, giving Kaiserslautern little room for offensive actions. Just before halftime, there was a shocking moment: Odilon Kossounou, who had already received an early yellow card, was sent off with a second yellow for a foul. Despite being a man down, Bayer 04 went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half started with a delay due to pyrotechnics in the stadium. But even with a man down, Bayer 04 remained the dominant team. Substitutes Amine Adli and Josip Stanisic brought fresh energy and immediately created danger. Adli attempted a long-range shot, and Stanisic narrowly missed the target after a corner. Bayer 04 now played more defensively, allowing Kaiserslautern more possession but remaining dangerous on counterattacks. Ragnar Ache had the best chance for FCK, but Hradecky made a confident save.

In the final stages, Bayer 04 repeatedly took the ball from the opponent and created more chances. Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz had opportunities to seal the game but narrowly missed. After six minutes of added time, the match ended 1-0 for Bayer 04. With this victory, the Werkself claimed their second DFB-Pokal title and crowned themselves double winners of the 2023/24 season.

After the final whistle, the celebrations knew no bounds. The players ran to the fan section, singing and celebrating with the traveling supporters. It was an emotional moment when captain Lukas Hradecky lifted the DFB-Pokal into the Berlin night sky at 10:22 pm.

However, the celebrations did not end at the Olympiastadion. On Sunday, May 26th, the Werkself returned to Leverkusen to properly celebrate the double. After landing at Cologne/Bonn Airport, the team headed to Morsbroich Castle, where they signed the Golden Book of the city of Leverkusen. They then traveled in a convoy to the BayArena, where they were enthusiastically received by thousands of fans. The stadium opened at 12:30 pm, and fans could follow the stage program and the team's arrival on large video screens.

The 2023/24 season will forever be etched in the minds of Bayer 04 fans. The first double in the club's history, achieved in the 120th season since its founding, is a triumph that will never be forgotten. From the first round of the DFB-Pokal to the crowning finale in Berlin, this Werkself has secured its place in the annals of German football.

A Hattrick with Heartbreak: Bayer 04 and the Final to Forget

Some football stories are hard to digest – and the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo definitely falls into that category. Bayer 04 Leverkusen, after an impressive streak of 51 unbeaten competitive matches, suffered a painful 0-3 defeat in the UEFA Europa League final.

The stage was grand: Dublin, a sold-out arena, 46,500 spectators, with 12,000 traveling from Leverkusen to support their team. The atmosphere was fantastic, the fans were optimistic, but the evening unfolded differently than hoped. Coach Xabi Alonso made several changes compared to the last Bundesliga game: Matej Kovar replaced Lukas Hradecky in goal, Josip Stanisic moved into defense for Odilon Kossounou, and Exequiel Palacios played instead of Robert Andrich in midfield. Piero Hincapie and Florian Wirtz also started, with Victor Boniface and Jonas Hofmann initially on the bench.

The match began aggressively, but early on, simple turnovers crept into Leverkusen's play. In the 12th minute came the first setback: Davide Zappacosta found Ademola Lookman with a low cross, who slotted in at the far post to make it 1-0. Less than twelve minutes later, it was Lookman again, curling the ball into the bottom right corner – 2-0 for Atalanta. Bayer 04 hardly created any notable chances, while the Italians defended attentively and allowed little.

In the second half, Alonso brought on Victor Boniface as a fresh striker, but this too failed to change the course of the game. Despite having 67 percent possession after an hour, Leverkusen lacked the final touch. Atalanta remained strong defensively and capitalized on another counterattack in the 75th minute, once again through Lookman, who completed his hat-trick and sealed the 3-0 final score.

The Werkself was defeated, and despite a final push, including a contentious scene in the penalty area, a consolation goal remained elusive. Referee István Kovács, even after VAR intervention, decided there was no foul.

For Leverkusen, this defeat is particularly painful after a season that started so promisingly and was dominated over long stretches. The record streak of 51 unbeaten matches is now ended, and the first loss of the season struck in the most crucial game.

However, the season is not over yet. In a few days, the next final is already on the horizon: In the DFB-Pokal, Bayer 04 will face 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the Berlin Olympiastadion. There remains the chance to crown the season with a national title and put the disappointment from Dublin behind them. The fans, who supported their team loudly despite the defeat in Dublin, will again give their all in Berlin to spur on their Werkself.

Let's go, Leverkusen – it's not over yet!

The never champions (was yesterday) season review: Forecast versus final score

On 6.8.2023 I made the season forecast:
 

https://neverchampions.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-neverchampion-season-forecast-202324.html
 

Here is the critical comparison between the forecast and the final score:

1. Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Prediction: 2nd place Final Standings: 1st place Comparison: Leverkusen exceeded the prediction and showed that secret favorites can turn into real champions. Apparently, switching from "secret" to "obvious" was their best tactic this year.

2. VfB Stuttgart

Prediction: 11th place Final Standings: 2nd place Comparison: Stuttgart drowned my prediction in the local spring and rose like good sourdough. This euphoria definitely needs its own chapter in the Bundesliga surprises book.

3. FC Bayern Munich

Prediction: 1st place Final Standings: 3rd place Comparison: Bayern went a bit light on dominance this year. The result? A surprisingly mild dish in third place. Not quite the fireworks expected.

4. RB Leipzig

Prediction: 3rd place Final Standings: 4th place Comparison: Leipzig, slightly tripped off the predicted podium. Perhaps the loss of some key players weighed more than the potential of new signings.

5. Borussia Dortmund

Prediction: 4th place Final Standings: 5th place Comparison: Dortmund nearly met the prediction, if not for that tiny, annoying step they tripped on. Thus, they ended up in 5th place—close, yet so far.

6. Eintracht Frankfurt

Prediction: 5th place Final Standings: 6th place Comparison: Frankfurt was slightly offset from the prediction. Apparently, the predicted tailwind was just a light breeze.

7. TSG Hoffenheim

Prediction: 9th place Final Standings: 7th place Comparison: Hoffenheim exceeded my expectations, or perhaps they simply outplayed the others. A good example that you should never give up hope (or Hoffenheim).

8. 1. FC Heidenheim 1846

Prediction: 15th place Final Standings: 8th place Comparison: Heidenheim, underestimated by almost everyone, proved that underdogs can bite. Who would have thought? (Clearly not me.)

9. SV Werder Bremen

Prediction: 13th place Final Standings: 9th place Comparison: Bremen navigated the turbulent waters better than expected. A clear case of "staying the course," despite my prediction.

10. Sport-Club Freiburg

Prediction: 7th place Final Standings: 10th place Comparison: Freiburg lost some consistency. The triple burden did leave its mark this year, or perhaps my expectations were just too high.

11. FC Augsburg

Prediction: 17th place Final Standings: 11th place Comparison: Augsburg, determined not to follow the relegation predictions, held strong. They shook off the "non-overachievers" label and emerged surprisingly like a phoenix from the ashes.

12. VfL Wolfsburg

Prediction: 6th place Final Standings: 12th place Comparison: Wolfsburg lost touch and veered off the path of predicted success. A case of GPS failure, I’d say.

13. 1. FSV Mainz 05

Prediction: 12th place Final Standings: 13th place Comparison: Mainz stuck relatively close to the prediction, just slightly off. A bit like horseshoe throwing: close but no cigar.

14. Borussia Mönchengladbach

Prediction: 10th place Final Standings: 14th place Comparison: Mönchengladbach ended up lower than I had expected. A case of "new team, old problems."

15. 1. FC Union Berlin

Prediction: 8th place Final Standings: 15th place Comparison: Union Berlin fell hard. Perhaps the focus on Europe was too distracting for league play.

16. VfL Bochum 1848

Prediction: 16th place Final Standings: 16th place Comparison: Bochum hit the prediction spot on. Sometimes it’s good to be exactly right, even if it’s just a battle against relegation.

17. 1. FC Köln

Prediction: 14th place Final Standings: 17th place Comparison: Cologne failed to meet expectations and slipped further down. A classic case of "too few surprising home points."

18. SV Darmstadt 98

Prediction: 18th place Final Standings: 18th place Comparison: Darmstadt confirmed the sad prediction. Sometimes it hurts to be right—especially when it involves relegation.

A season full of surprises and confusions— who needs accurate predictions when you can have an exciting Bundesliga season instead!