Werkself Review #B04BMG: “Continue to improve our play”

Summary: Late equaliser after Tillman opens

In the absence of the suspended Robert Andrich and injured Exequiel Palacios, Hjulmand opted for Aleix Garcia and Malik Tillman in central midfield, with Ibrahim Maza alongside Eliesse Ben Seghir further forward. The Werkself started brightly and had their first (and only notable) opportunity of the half after nine minutes with a Patrik Schick header. Both teams cancelled each other out for large parts until substitute Ernest Poku got down the right and set up Tillman. Leverkusen remained solid in defending their lead until the second minute of added time when Haris Tabakovic headed in a corner. You can read more about the game in our report HERE.

Reaction: “Will work hard”

“We’re very annoyed about the wasted chances and conceding late from a set piece. We were just too passive there,” Hjulmand said after the final whistle. However, the Dane looked ahead to the coming games with optimism: “I’m getting a better feeling for the team and the players. This coming week is our first where we have the whole week to train together and will help us further.”

The hard-working Maza also bemoaned the late concession: “If that doesn’t happen, we win three points. We could’ve scored a second ourselves earlier on but didn’t manage it. We’ll learn from mistakes, analyse the game and do better next time.” Goalscorer Tillman also wanted to look ahead, adding, “We’ll work hard in training this week and continue to improve our play.”

What the papers say: “A fair draw”

“Emotions but few chances” was the summary in kicker. The Kölnische Rundschau ran with the headline “Upturn under Hjulmand stopped for now”. Bild believed it was “a fair draw” and praised Hjulmand for his introduction of Poku. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger called the draw “not enough” for the Werkself but also said “they didn’t deserve more”.

Personnel: Ben Seghir debut, Hofmann returns

Ben Seghir had made his competitive debut for the Werkself three days prior in the Champions League and now got his first taste of the Bundesliga on Sunday. Even with the disappointing result, the Morocco international sees continual progress. “I’m getting more and more into it with every game and getting to know the team better,” he said, while also praising the home support: “It was a special experience for me to get to play in this atmosphere in our stadium.” There was also a first outing of 2025/26 for Jonas Hofmann, who received a loud cheer with his late introduction following his injury layoff.

Whether Schick wants to claim the assist for the goal, it has been attributed to him. It means the Czech striker has been directly involved in a goal in each of the last three games (three goals, one assist) and has played his part in helping ensure the Werkself have scored in all four league fixtures this term and each of the last nine across multiple seasons. That’s the club’s best scoring run since early February.

Stats: Ahead in all areas

The draw ensures that Leverkusen’s unbeaten run against Gladbach now stands at 12 consecutive Bundesliga matches. The hosts were also ahead in all key statistical areas, with 61 percent possession and an impressive 90 percent pass completion rate, plus coming out on top in duels.

Outlook: Away in Hamburg

Matchday 5 takes the Werkself to St. Pauli next Saturday (3.30pm CEST). That’s followed by the first home game of the UEFA Champions League campaign against PSV Eindhoven the following Wednesday (9pm).