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1.02.2022Bayer 04

Matches of the month: One mediocre – one brilliant

The first matchday after the winter break in 1996/97 took Bayer 04 to the Westfalenstadion. Borussia Dortmund won 3-1 to take revenge for a bruising 4-2 defeat on the first matchday. The away game at BVB is followed by a home game against newly promoted MSV Duisburg.

The Werkself line-up is unchanged from the defeat in Dortmund. The two defences are dominant for long stretches of the game with safety first the byword from the kick-off. Christian Wörns nets the opener on 36 minutes, which forces MSV Duisburg to be more adventurous in the second half. Bayer 04 are unable to exploit the space on offer and the match ends in a deserved 1-0 win and third place in the table behind FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.

convincing win against BVB

Everything’s set up. Sunday 24 February 2002, 17.30 CET, the floodlights are on for the top of the table clash on matchday 24 between second-placed Bayer 04 and league leaders Borussia Dortmund. The BayArena is sold out with a capacity crowd of 22,500 and all of Leverkusen wants to go top. After an impressive start by the visitors and a goal from the Brazilian player Ewerthon unjustly ruled out, the team under coach Klaus Toppmöller wake up. The Werkself miss chance after chance but go 1-0 up on 32 minutes with a goal from Michael Ballack.

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The Yellow and Blacks are unable to withstand the Bayer 04 attacks in the second half. With goals from Carsten Ramelow, Oliver Neuville and Dimitar Berbatov, Bayer 04 deservedly seal a 4-0 win and go top of the table. HERE is the footage.

 

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