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.
“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.”
“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”.
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.
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.
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).
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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