Such a start to the season can be like a lucky bag. Despite being well-prepared you never know what you're going to get. In the case of Bayer 04 the opening game of the 2009/10 season against SV Babelsberg 03 in the first round of the DFB Cup has revealed a glimpse of the future: As in recent pre-season friendlies the team showed that they have learnt a thing or two under Jupp Heynckes.

Leverkusen secured a deserved 1-0 win over the regional league side through a combination of patience, varied tempo and striking at the right moment. Midway through the second half new signing Eren Derdiyok unleashed a shot from eleven yards out that went through the Babelsberg keeper Marian Unger's legs to net the winner. "It was a typical cup game. We dominated the game before scoring the goal. Then Babelsberg risked more," said Heynckes.

Two new signings in starting eleven

As expected, Bayer dominated the game from the start in front of a 6,100 crowd at the Karl Liebknecht Stadium. Babelsberg packed the midfield and ceded ground to the visitors. Jupp Heynckes gave starts to two new signings, right back Daniel Schwaab and central defender Sami Hyypiä . Stefan Reinartz came in for Simon Rolfes in the holding midfield role, Theofanis Gekas started up front alongside Stefan Kießling.

And, as in the pre-season, the industrious Gekas carved out a number of goalscoring opportunities. On three occasions the Greece striker was on the right spot to score with his head but failed to get the ball on target. The first real chance fell to Toni Kroos as he shot from close distance following a smart move only to see his effort saved by Unger.

Chances created

By half time Bayer had produced thirteen shots on goal compared with three from the hosts but failed to break the deadlock. At the other end, keeper René Adler only had to intervene once to save a header from a corner. As a result, Rudi Völler was not unhappy at the break despite the 0-0 scoreline: "We are in control of the game and are creating chances. Now we've just got to convert them."

That appeared to inspire the team. Straight after the restart, the Werkself increased the pressure on the hosts and Renato Agosto created some good chances. But the desired result was only achieved with the introduction of Eren Derdiyok. In his first move, the young Swiss forward made his presence felt in the Babelsberg box and took his chance. "The coach was spot on as far I'm concerned and I managed to get a few things right today," declared a satisfied Derdiyok.

Rolfes comeback

Bayer 04 did ease off a little after taking the lead and this gave Babelsberg the opportunity to make progress towards Adler's goal. But the Werkself stood firm and regained their rhythm. Tranquillo Barnetta tested Unger with firmly hit shot and a few minutes later Stefan Kießling had the chance to double the lead.

Towards the end of the tie, Bayer captain Simon Rolfes was brought on to steady the ship. The game became more frenetic towards the end. "Babelsberg challenged for every ball and we had to work hard at the end of the game," declared Manuel Friedrich who stood in for Rolfes as captain. Bayer 04 did comfortably secure progress through to the second round of the DFB Cup to be played on 22 September.