Bayer 04 were newcomers to the Oberliga. In their first nine matches in Oberliga West 1, the Werkself remain unbeaten and see themselves in with a chance, even against the heavy favourites from Cologne. Playmaker Heinz Papenhoff is replaced by the more defensive Peter Röger, but otherwise coach Franz Strehle has a full squad to choose from.
Becks paves the way
The match gets off to a fast-paced start, but both teams are initially too nervous to build up play in an organised manner. Determined defending and dangerous forays from both sides keep the match tense. FC Köln increasingly take the initiative. Schütz and Mebus organise the build-up play, while for Bayer 04, Dr Franz Wichelhaus and Walter Nußbaum repeatedly launch attacks. After a brief spell of pressure from FC Köln, Leverkusen find their feet. Emil Becks puts Bayer 1-0 up in the 33rd minute with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area. Shortly after that, the visitors hit the crossbar. FC Köln tried to level, but the Leverkusen defence stood firm. The teams went into the break with the Werkself clinging to their narrow lead.
Shortly after the break, Karl Habets made a save on the goal line for his goalkeeper, Fredy Mutz, who had already been beaten. Then, on 49 minutes, it was 2–0 to the Werkself. During what was essentially a harmless attack, FC Köln defender Langen played a back pass that was hit too hard, and the FC Köln goalkeeper Frans de Munck was unable to reach it. The ball rolled into the net.
