The Werkself made it clear from the start that they wanted to clock up the next three points in the race to qualify for the Champions League. With two changes to the starting line-up, there was initially a lack of clear-cut chances, but the deadlock was broken by the hosts on 18 minutes: Paulinho converted a cross from the outside of the foot of Moussa Diaby to make it 1-0. The Black and Reds continued to dominate proceedings but the strike from Patrik Schick on 35 minutes was ruled offside.
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Eintracht Frankfurt made three changes at half-time but the next goal was scored by Bayer 04: Diaby set up Schick who put his shot through the legs of the SGE keeper Kevin Trapp to double the lead on 51 minutes. The Werkself continued to keep it tight at the back so that the home win at the BayArena was not in danger. HERE is the match report.
Robert Andrich explained after the final whistle: "We played in a very serious and focused way today. We had less possession than Frankfurt but we created good chances in counter-attacks." Striker Sardar Azmoun added: "It was a very important game, we’re happy we won the three points.”
Captain and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who played Eintracht Frankfurt from 2015 to 2018 before his move to Bayer 04, added: "First of all, I hope we seal a spot in the Champions League and that we meet again in that competition." Frankfurt play West Ham United on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg with the Eagles taking a 2-1 lead into the game from the first leg. Winning that competition would qualify Eintracht Frankfurt for the Champions League next season..
He's done it again: Patrik Schick scored his 22nd goal of the season against Eintracht – and thereby set a record at Bayer 04. No foreign player has ever scored as many goals for the Werkself in a season before now. The Czech Republic international has overtaken the record set by Dimitar Berbatov who scored 21 times in the 2005/06 season. Schick is second in the Bundesliga goalscorer rankings behind Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/34 goals).
Equally impressive is the return from Diaby: Following his two assists against Eintracht Frankfurt, the France international, alongside his fellow countrymen Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), is the only Bundesliga player to get into double figures for goals and assists this season. The Leverkusen player now has 12 goals and 11 assists. Carry on, Moussa!
With the return of Robert Andrich and Piero Hincapie, both known for their strength in challenges, the Werkself won over 60% of all challenges. The Black and Reds also had their noses in front in terms of possession (55%) as well as shots on goal (11 to 9)..
That is the headline in the report by the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger that describes a "deserved" win. Five Werkself players also received high marks in their review. The Rheinische Post reports that the Black and Reds succeeded in achieving the target of picking up points rather than just playing attractive football. Qualification for the Champions League is becoming more and more probable with a four-point gap over the team in fifth place..
The Werkself still have two games to play in the current Bundesliga campaign. The last away game game for the Seoane team is on Saturday 7 May at TSG Hoffenheim. The kick-off at the PreZero Arena is at 15.30 CEST. The season ends a week later with the fixture against SC Freiburg. The match at the BayArena on Saturday 14 May also kicks off at 15.30 CEST.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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