1.03.2021Bayer 04

From the archives: The race for the Regional League title

From the introduction of the Bundesliga in 1963, there were five Regional Leagues below the top flight, and our team was bobbing around in the lower reaches in the early years. Coach Theo Kirchberg was able to welcome seven new players to the start of training in 1967, while nine players left the club. With this completely revamped squad, consisting of 13 outfield players and two goalkeepers, they kicked off the season. And Bayer 04 were top of the table from the start.

In March 1968, Bayer 04 had two big games in a week against Rot-Weiß Essen and Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, who were second and third in the table. Both matches were lost but the season ended for the Werkself with a surprise league title in the Regionalliga West and Bundesliga promotion play-offs. For some it was unfortunate, and for others it was 'Thank God', that Bayer 04 did not get promoted. But it was the first time the team with the cross on their shirts knocked on the door of the Bundesliga. In this video you can see action from the match against Essen and allow yourself to be transported back into the past. Below is a link to TV-highlights from the game against RWO.

Images from the game against Essen:

Images from the game against Oberhausen:

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