6–0 against Fortuna Köln – Werkself win friendly against third-division side

In the absence of nine players on international duty, head coach Carles Martínez added to the squad for the friendly with a number of players from the Bayer 04 youth team. Against Fortuna Köln, currently twelfth in the Liga 3 after seven games, the Werkself proved immediately effective: Moussa Diaby appeared twice on the byline and cut the ball back –Martin Terrier converted the first cross, and a few minutes later Patrik Schick scored from a similar position.

Including Gutiérrez stunner: 4-0 at half-time

With plenty of possession and control of the game, the Black and Reds increasingly broke through Fortuna’s defensive line, with the agile Nathan Tella scoring to make it 3–0. Leverkusen’s fourth goal was also a real treat to watch: Miguel Gutiérrez curled a free-kick straight into the top left-hand corner. The scoreline was 4–0 at half-time.

Schick and Terrier score twice

Just like the first half, the second 45 also began with a goal from Terrier. Not only did the Frenchman score a brace, but striker Schick also scored a second with a header from a corner taken by Jonas Hofmann. In addition to Hofmann, Martínez also brought on Victor Boniface, Eliesse Ben Seghir and six U19 players. The match ended in a 6–0 victory over the newly promoted third-division side.

Head coach Carles Martínez said after the final whistle: “The match was important for us to stay in our rhythm and be ready for next week when the league action resumes (against Mainz 05 on Saturday, 10 October, at 15:30 CEST, remaining tickets are available HERE, ed).” His interim assessment of the international break, this time lasting three weeks, was as follows: “The break so far has been good for us to continue growing together. We’ve had time to train in peace, without the pressure of the next match coming up in just three days’ time. That has its advantages too. I’m pleased – the squad is working very well every day.”