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1.09.2021Bayer 04

From the archives: The oldest match report

This month there is the oldest known match report from a competitive match involving the Werkself, which was then a section of TuS Leverkusen 04. On 21 September 1919, the visitors to Leverkusen were Rasen Sportverein Urbach, one of the many teams in Cologne. The journalist found the following words for the match at the Platz an der Dhünn situated in today's Neuland Park:
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"Last Sunday, the above teams met for the scheduled championship match at the Sportplatz an der Dhünn. The two teams present themselves to the referee punctually at 4 o'clock. Leverkusen, with a new line-up, played against the wind at the start. The Black and Reds besieged the opposition goal. The goalkeeper and defenders had a hard job on their hands but and again and again skilfully managed to bring the ball away from the danger area in front of goal. Urbach gradually picked up. But their powerful attacks broke down against the solid Leverkusen defence with Bartsch today producing an outstanding performance. It was goalless when the two sides changed ends.

After the first half, the Black and Reds took full control but were unable to make the breakthrough initially. Then – with 26 minutes to play Bönnen received a good pass but he was fouled. The ensuing penalty was easily converted. Urbach tried with all their might to draw level. Their outside left again and again took the attack forwards. With ten minutes left, Koll handled the ball in a goalmouth melee. Penalty. The spectators were highly excited and the heavy rain did not drive them from the pitch. But the penalty was fired over. 'A new penalty!' Decided the referee because there was encroachment in the penalty area. The crowd grew even more excited. The shot comes in but Nagelschmidt saves to thundering applause. Shortly after that, the referee ends the game. It was a battle with the better team winning."

This match report appeared in the newspaper on 27 September 1919, almost a week after the match.

 

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