Werkself review: A treat for the fans

Summary: Cool heads and staying alert crucial:

There was no sign of fatigue amongst the Werkself following four consecutive double fixture weeks. Right from the kick-off, the Black and Reds pressed forward and created a triple chance after just four minutes through Patrik Schick, Ibrahim Maza and Malik Tillman. Three minutes later, the ball was in the net after Aleix Garcia conjured up a superb free-kick fired into the top left corner of the net (7’). An intense encounter ensued – the Werkself rose to the challenge and played with physicality, yet with composure. It was in this vein that Patrik Schick broke through in the FC Köln penalty area on 86 minutes, sending the 5,000 travelling Bayer 04 fans delirious with Leverkusen’s second goal. Although the home side pulled a goal back through Said El Mala (90+3’), the victory was never in any real danger.

• Match report
• Match highlights
• Full match replay

Reaction: “We remained disciplined”

“I’d heard a lot before the match about how important this fixture is for the club and the fans, but now I really understand what this derby win means,” said head coach Carles Martínez at the post-match press conference. The Spaniard was impressed by “the 5,000 fans who cheered us on with everything they had. I’m also very pleased with how the players and the coaching staff gave their all.”

Martínez knew, given the short preparation time, that the derby would not be an easy game and he added, “but even so, we were ready today, believed in our strengths and remained disciplined despite all the emotion.” Goalscorer Garcia, in particular, “once again showed what he’s capable of today. He was full of energy once more, won his duels and also demonstrated his quality as a footballer.”

Garcia was also delighted with his performance, but he focused on the team: “The team played very seriously for the full 90 minutes today, defended well and created plenty of chances. “I’m particularly proud of everyone, especially after the last few matches.” The Spaniard did not say much about his wonder goal, but emphasised: “The most important thing is we won the derby and gave our fans a happy Sunday.”

Captain Edmond Tapsoba also expressed his gratitude with emotion: “You stuck with us over the past few weeks when things weren’t going so well. The least we can do for you is to always give our best. That’s why I’m delighted we’ve given you this victory today.”

• Post-match reaction
• Post-match press conference

What the papers say: ‘Right response’ thanks to ‘derby spirit’

Jonas Hofmann capped his 100th competitive appearance for Bayer 04 with a derby victory. Since January 2016, the 34-year-old has provided 17 assists and scored 17 goals. For goalscorer Garcia, it was his second direct free-kick goal wearing the Black and Red jersey. He had last scored a similar goal in December 2024 in the DFB Pokal against SV 07 Elversberg (3–0).

Tillman also played a major part in the win: In his first start since matchday two, the USA international was extremely active both going forward and in defence, winning the most challenges in the first half and recording the most touches in the opposition penalty area. The club’s leading goalscorer, Schick, once again did his job with flying colours: eight goals in nine matches – only Patrick Helmes has scored that many at this stage of a season in Leverkusen’s club history.

Stats: Precision leads to a record

With their sixth consecutive derby victory, the Werkself have equalled their own club record. Between 2004 and 2009, they also recorded six wins on the bounce against FC Köln. Furthermore, Bayer 04’s most recent defeat in Cologne was almost seven years ago.

Once again, precise passing proved to be the key to success for the Black and Reds: 639 passes completed in a single match is Leverkusen’s best tally this season. And a half-time lead now also seems to be a reliable indicator of a Bayer 04 victory: the Werkself have not lost any of their last 34 matches after leading at half-time.

Up next: SC Paderborn after international break

The Werkself first-team players are now heading into an international break lasting just under two weeks. You can find out which players are in action and where HERE. Following that, the home match against SC Paderborn 07 on Saturday 21 November (kick-off:15:30 CET) will mark the start of four more double fixture weeks leading up to the winter break.