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1.06.2025Bayer 04

From the archives: 75 years ago – First friendly against FC Köln

18 June 1950 saw a friendly match for FC Köln, formed from the merger of two clubs in February 1948, against the Werkself at the Stadion Am Stadtpark. The two teams had already faced each other in May 1949 as winners of the Rhine district leagues in the final for promotion to the Oberliga West. The new club from Cologne came out on top in the two games and were promoted.
18. Juni 1950

Now comes the first friendly match. At that time it was usual for the clubs in Germany to play friendly matches many weeks before the start of the season to raise a few marks from the spectators to cover the costs of their teams.

FC Köln, who finished fifth in the Oberliga a month before, field their best possible side as did the Werkself. 5,000 spectators are at the stadium for the kick-off and they see a Werkself side on top of their game. The Bayer team produce a flawless performance, are quicker and more nimble and creative in attack. Constant harrying from the Werkself strikers creates a real threat for the Köln defence.

Manfred Höher and new signing Hans Flohe put Bayer 04 2-0 up. FC Köln pull a goal back seconds before half-time. After the restart, Manfred Höher volleys a corner from Anton Mauth into the net to make it 3-1. Shortly after that Theo Kirchberg converts a cross from Manfred Höher for the fourth Leverkusen goal. Höher scores again for his hat-trick and Mauth makes it 6-1. To date, 6-1 is the biggest victory for Bayer 04 in the clash with the neighbours.

Striking in 1950: Neither the sports journal Der Fußball-Sport nor NWDR report the result. It is probably embarrassing for the two media outlets given what happened to their Köln players in Leverkusen.

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