"The opening stages of the game clearly belonged to Leverkusen, who were committed, played high up the pitch with all the players in the Dortmund half at times, and looked to press," was the assessment in the Rheinische Post. The best chances for the Werkself fell to Nadiem Amiri (5') and Moussa Diaby (16') but the first goal of the game was scored by the visitors from Dortmund. Julian Brandt provided the assist for Karim Adeyemi to give BVB a 1-0 lead (33'). Edmond Tapsoba was unlucky to score an own goal in the second 45 minutes to make it 2-0 (53'). At the other end, Leverkusen were unable to beat the Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel with the result that the Werkself ended the game with no points after a run of five Bundesliga wins.
"We definitely had our chances today but we didn't use space well and we weren’t sharp enough – we just made too many mistakes," said Jonathan Tah after the final whistle. His teammate Robert Andrich agreed: "The crucial factor today was converting chances. The smarter team definitely won today. But we never let our heads drop and always tried to keep on going." Head coach Xabi Alonso also looked forwards at the post-match press conference: "After five wins we had to accept defeat today. Of course, our target remains European qualification but we have to pick up a lot of points for that. Now we are looking forward to Friday where we can expect an intense match in Augsburg."
Seven is the number - That is the number of shots by the Werkself forward Moussa Diaby against Borussia Dortmund. However, the 23-year-old Frenchman was mostly denied by the BVB keeper Gregor Kobel. And the Rheinische Post also saw Diaby as the "stand-out player in the flexible Werkself attack," but the best scorer and provider for Bayer 04 (six goals, three assists) this term was unable to add to his tally on the night.
A look at the stats reveals the number of goals scored was the only one favouring the visitors from Dortmund in the game: The Werkself had 56.7% possession, won more challenges (54.2%) and had a better pass completion rate (86%, BVB: 81.2%). In addition, Moussa Diaby and Co. had three times as many shots on goal as the opposition.
The Leverkusener Anzeiger describes the opening stages as follows: "Bayer 04 could have had the edge in the game that they dreamed of. The fact there were no more chances than the one (Diaby was kept out by the BVB keeper Gregor Kobel on 70 minutes, ed.) was down to the Werkself themselves as they were unable to use the space created after winning possession." The kicker talks about a "setback for Bayer in the battle for Europe," the "most impressive start" by the Werkself went unrewarded on the night.
The Werkself are back in action as soon as Friday night 3 February with an away game at FC Augsburg. The fixture in Bavaria marks the start of Bundesliga matchday 19 and the kick-off is at 20.30 CET.
Bayer 04 are then at home again with the Black and Reds with TSG Hoffenheim the visitors on 11 February at 15.30 CET.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 midfielder Jonah Berghoff ahead of schedule. The Germany U18 international has signed professional terms with the club to 30 June 2030.
Show more
With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
Show more
With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
Show more
The guests at the Scala Club in Leverkusen were amazed when host Reiner Calmund suddenly brought the Managing Director of Sport at Bayer 04, Simon Rolfes, and record Werkself appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn onto the stage. As part of the show "An Evening with Football & Friends", organised by long-serving Bayer 04 managing director and general manager Calmund, the two surprise guests drew plenty of applause - and provided great entertainment in exciting conversations about the past and future.
Show more
