Unbeaten run continues with goalless draw against Hertha

"We controlled and dominated the game for long periods but often failed to make the right decision in the final third. We were very well organised at the back and hardly gave away any chances. Of course, you can see the effect of the intensity of the past weeks where you have players out injured and are unable to compensate," said sporting director Simon Rolfes.

Peter Bosz made four changes to the side that beat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 4-1 in the Europa League three days ago. Tin Jedvaj, Wendell, Nadiem Amiri and Karim Bellarabi were replaced in the starting eleven by Lars Bender, Daley Sinkgraven, Julian Baumgartlinger and Moussa Diaby. A bitter blow for Bayer 04 and the head coach: After missing Paulinho, Santiago Arias, Charles Aránguiz and Exequiel Palacios for weeks and months due to injury plus Edmond Tapsoba (self isolation due to coronavirus) and Sven Bender (ankle), forwards Lucas Alario, Karim Bellarabi and Nadiem Amiri were also ruled out against Hertha Berlin. The only outfield players on the bench were Jedvaj, Wendell, Mitchell Weiser and Emrehan Gedikli, who made his first-team debut in the Europa League on Thursday

In spite of the large number of players sidelined, the Werkself were obviously determined to continue their impressive run of five Bundesliga wins in succession and eight victories from the last nine games. Following one-minute’s silence for Diego Maradona, who passed away on Wednesday, the game got off to a bright start with plenty of tough challenges. The visitors from Berlin had the first whiff of a chance with Dodi Lukebakio aiming for the far post but his shot did not present any problems to Lukas Hradecky (8’). The Werkself keeper also easily held onto the next effort from Lukebakio (12').

The Berliners were aggressive in their efforts to frustrate the Leverkusen build-up play. The Werkself did show how to get past Hertha shortly after that with Sinkgraven racing down the left wing and crossing into the middle but Patrik Schick and Leon Bailey were unable to get on the end of it (19'). Most of the action took place between the two penalty areas. Hradecky was alert as he cleared with his feet outside the box as Lukebakio threatened (25') and a long-range effort from Omar Alderete was well wide of the target (29'). A promising cross from Bailey to Schick was just too high (32’).

Demirbay tests Schwolow

Almost immediately after that, the Hertha keeper Alexander Schwolow had to stretch to turn a powerful Kerem Demirbay shot from 25 yards onto the bar. And a tricky bouncing shot from Leon Bailey, that would probably have just gone wide of the target, was also turned away for a corner by the Hertha keeper (34'). Bayer 04 were increasingly finding more joy in attack and a shot from Lars Bender, who was making his 250th Bundesliga appearance, was blocked (39'). An effort from Sinkgraven was neither a shot nor a cross (40'). Schick demonstrated his strength in the air and forced Schwolow to make a save but was adjudged to have been too aggressive in his aerial challenge with Alderete (42'). The Werkself were definitely on top in the final 15 minutes of the first half.

After the restart, with no changes on either side, the match remained a dogged affair. The Werkself had to invest an enormous amount of effort to be able to make any progress against a battling Berlin team. A free kick from Demirbay flew wide of the upright (49'). With a cross from the left by Florian Wirtz nobody had made a run into the right position (60'). And the next free kick from Demirbay also missed the target although it was much closer (67'). Bayer 04 had the whip hand and exhibited a huge amount of determination. Peter Bosz made his first change bringing on Jedvaj for Dragovic (74') – the first appearance of the season for the Croat in the Bundesliga.

Bender chance to head the winner

Bayer 04 appeared on top in the second 45 without really threatening Hertha's goal. In spite of all their efforts, the Werkself clearly lacked energy both physically and mentally after the exertions of recent weeks – and there was no real possibility of making changes up front due to the lengthy injury list. Four minutes of added time. And that brought Bayer 04 a great opportunity to land a decisive blow: From a Demirbay free kick, the skipper Lars Bender headed just wide of the right-hand post (90+2').

Bayer 04 return to the European stage on Thursday 3 December at 21.00 CET in the fifth group match in the UEFA Europa League away to Nice. That is followed by Bundesliga action on Sunday 6 December with another away game at Schalke 04 at 18.00 CET.

Match stats:

Bayer 04: Hradecky – L. Bender, Tah, Dragovic (Tin Jedvaj 74'), Sinkgraven – Wirtz, Baumgartlinger, Demirbay – Bailey, Schick, Diaby

Hertha BSC: Schwolow – Pekarik, Boyata, Alderete (Dardai 75'), Plattenhardt – Stark – Darida, Guendouzi – Lukebakio (Ngankam 70'), Piatek (Leckie 70'), Cunha

Referee: Daniel Schlager (Hügelsheim)

Booked: Sinkgraven, Bailey – Cunha