Back
1.10.2024Bayer 04

Match of the month: 35 years ago – Top of the table in Munich, part two

The Werkself secured victory against Bayern Munich for the first time on 1 November 1986. On matchday 12, Bayer 04 beat the Bundesliga league leaders 3-0 at the Olympic Stadium in Munich and go top of the table.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

There is a very similar situation three years later: Ahead of matchday 12, FC Bayern are top of the table level on points with FC Köln. The Werkself are in third place on 15 points one behind the two top teams . With the confidence gained from the last three away games, against Hamburg SV, Bochum and Bayer 05 Uerdingen, all ending in wins without conceding, and a run of nine games unbeaten in succession we head off to Munich.

29,000 spectators are at the Olympic Stadium for the kick-off including hundreds of Bayer 04 fans. The Werkself show their away face from the start: solid in defence and again and again able to pressure the Bayern defence above all through the lightning fast Marek Lesniak.

That tactic proves successful on 14 minutes. A long free kick from Andrzej Buncol finds the midfielder Christian Schreier and he lays it straight off Andreas Fischer whose two efforts are blocked. But Marek Lesniak scores the opener with the third attempt. What follows is a real defensive battle. The Werkself are very good in defence for the remaining 76 minutes. And if anything gets through then they can rely on their goalkeeper. Again and again, particularly in the second half, there are counter-attacks as the game goes on but no more goals.

In the end there is not just a deserved 1-0 win. Bayer 04 go top of the table as FC Köln lose at home to Düsseldorf.

In that season, the Werkself establish their first longer run of unbeaten games. The team led by coach Erich Ribbeck are unbeaten for 17 games on the bounce. Unfortunately that is only enough for sixth place – but at the same time ensures qualification again for the UEFA Cup.

Related News

Dieter Bast wird 75 | Geburtstagskind des Monats August I
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Birthday Boy of the Month 1: Dieter Bast turns 75

Dieter Bast was born in Oberhausen on 28 August 1951. He began playing football in the youth team at DJK Arminia Klosterhardt, a local club in Oberhausen. Whilst training as a toolmaker, he moved to neighbouring club Sterkrade 06/07 to play for their U19s, where he caught the eye of Bundesliga sides Rot-Weiss Essen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bast opted for Rot-Weiss and played in the Bundesliga from 1970 onwards. In his very first year, he made 22 appearances as a right winger, scoring three goals. Nevertheless, Essen were unable to avoid relegation.

Show more
Roque Júnior wird 50 | Geburtstagskind des Monats August II
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Birthday Boy of the Month 2: Roque Júnior turns 50

José Vítor Roque Júnior was born on 31 August 1976 in Santa Rita do Sapucaí, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. As a youth, he played for São José EC, a club in the east of the state of São Paulo. His professional career began in 1995 with Palmeiras São Paulo. There, Roque Júnior quickly established himself as a key player in the team, making more than 200 appearances and enjoying significant success. With the club, he won the Copa do Brasil in 1998 and the Copa Libertadores in 1999, the South American equivalent of the European Champions League.

Show more
Von Pohjanpalo bis Ökland | Tore des Monats August
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Goals of the month: From Pohjanpalo to Ökland

In this video you can see impressive and important goals in the history of Bayer 04 from the month of August. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.

Show more
crop_19510819_Fredy_Mutz_1.jpg
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

From the archives: 75 years ago – The Bayer Lion triumphs over the Essen tomcat

The Werkself play their first top-flight match in Bayer 04’s history away at Sportfreunde Katernberg. 7,000 spectators turn up at the Am Lindenbruch stadium in that district of Essen. The Katernbergers have transformed the once ‘barren’ pitch into a real gem. On this Sunday afternoon, 19 August 1951, the lush turf provides the perfect conditions for a good game of football.

Show more
Vor 25 Jahren – Die Vize-Triple-Saison 2001/02 | Geschichte des Monats August II
Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

History: 25 years ago – The 2001/02 treble runners-up season (August)

Following a thoroughly successful start with a 2–1 home win against VfL Wolfsburg, the Werkself are organising a team event. On Wednesdays, they head to the Nürburgring together and do a few laps at speed. Manager Klaus Toppmöller welcomes this initiative, as it promotes team spirit and integration. During weekly training sessions, the team works extensively on various defensive tactics, as the manager was dissatisfied with his players’ pressing in the final minutes of the match against the Wolves.

Show more