Matches of the month: Two 3-2 wins at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium

After matchday 22 in 1982/83, Bayer 04 are 15th in the table on 14 points, level with Hertha Berlin, who are in the play-off spot. After a very disappointing Hinrunde, that sees the Werkself bottom of the table, the team recover slightly after the winter break with one win and two draws. 5 March brings a meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach who are level on points. Gladbach take a half-time lead of 2-1 in front of 10,000 supporters at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, The opening goal for Bayer 04 scored by Herbert Waas is cancelled out by two-headed goals from Borussia from their two strikers Siggi Reich and Frank Mill. The visitors’ defence is under heavy pressure in the second half because the team from the Lower Rhine fail to reproduce their first half performance. The Werkself are awarded a penalty on 69 minutes. Jürgen Gelsdorf steps up but the Gladbach keeper Sude guesses right and saves. But Bayer 04 refuse to give up, continue to attack the Gladbach net and are successful with a long-range effort from Jürgen Röber on 80 minutes. Salvation for the Werkself with the final whistle. Thomas Hörster scores with a header to make it 3-2 and Bayer 04 secure two important points in the battle against relegation.

Tuesday night, 22 March 1988, Ulrich Haberland Stadium building site. Schalke 04 come to Leverkusen two weeks ahead of the UEFA Cup semi-final. A spicy and exciting encounter under floodlights see Schalke clock up a to-one lead at half-time. There are chances for both sides in the second half. Klaus Täuber levels on 56 minutes and Erich Seckler nets a much celebrated goal 15 minutes later. The Werkself are able to hold off the fierce attacks from Schalke and see home the 3-2 lead with vocal support from the Bayer 04 fans.