Werkself Review #B04FCB: 'Played with structure, passion and power'

Summary: Centimetres from victory

As they did against Arsenal in midweek, the Werkself began aggressive and disciplined, but this time they were rewarded much earlier, Aleix Garcia netting the opener in the sixth minute following a counter-attack. The first half continued to go the way of the Black-and-Reds, with a Bayern goal being disallowed because of handball (27') and Nicolas Jackson being shown a red card for a foul on Martin Terrier (42'). Bayer 04 remained in the ascendancy with the numerical advantage in the second half and could've extended the lead through Malik Tillman (58') and Patrick Schick (60') - and probably should've. Instead, the league leaders punished a lapse in the Leverkusen build-up with the equaliser from Luis Diaz (70'), after another Bayern goal had been ruled out for handball by VAR. Diaz was then dismissed soon after for a second bookable offence, meaning the Werkself threw everything forward in the closing stages with two extra men. In the third minute of stoppage time, Jonas Hofmann looked to have snatched a winner only for VAR to cut short the wild celebrations at the BayArena because of a narrow offside decision. The Black-and-Reds therefore had to settle for a 1-1 draw after a furious contest. 

• The full match report
• The TV highlights

Reaction: 'Showed we can compete with everyone'

"We again produced a very good performance against strong opponents, played with structure, passion and power, and defended well," summarised head coach Kasper Hjulmand, adding: "In the end, we unfortunately failed to take our chances." The Dane observed a particularly marked improvement in his side's transitional play. "We've made steps forward there and against Freiburg, Arsenal and again today we were able to capitalise from counters."

The coach was also pleased by another impressive performance from youngster Montrell Culbreath on his second start. "He's made great progress in recent months, plays physically, is good with both feet and often makes the right decisions," said Hjulmand. "Even more important is his personality, though. He's always attentive and never switches off. He played brilliantly today - great credit to our academy."

Culbreath attested his coach's assessment when speaking to Werkself-TV. "I was just focused but it was certainly incredible - like a dream, especially against opponents like these," said the 18-year-old. Like Hjulmand, the youngster was pleased with the team's energy. "It's been like that in the last few games, and we need to carry that on into Tuesday."

Goalscorer Garcia was "disappointed because from the beginning we played with very high intensity against one of the best clubs and we deserved the three points". Even though they fell just short of the victory in the end, the Spaniard is optimistic about the upcoming matches because "we've now shown twice that we can compete with everyone".

What the papers say: 'Impressive display'

"The Werkself defended diligently" and "chose their moments to attack, but when they did they got forward quickly and directly", analysed kicker. The Rheinische Post saw an "impressive display" by Leverkusen, going with the headline "Bayer 04 miss out on win against nine-man Bayern". The Bild summary read: "The game was dramatic until the end and got the fans in the BayArena out of their seats." Meanwhile, the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger singled out Culbreath for a "phenomenal performance" as well as Garcia, who "again and again brought the necessary calmness to the game".

Personnel: Schick joins 200 club

The Bundesliga's pass master Garcia may have only had the seventh-most passes on the pitch on this afternoon, but the Spaniard gave Bayer 04 the lead with his second goal of the season and his 10th overall for the club. Nathan Tella also had cause for celebration as he made his comeback after around two months out injured. One player in particular was honoured after the match: Schick made his 200th appearance in a Werkself shirt and crowned the milestone with an assist. Congratulations, Patrik!

Stats: Almost twice as many shots as visitors

With this draw, Bayer 04 are now unbeaten in four Bundesliga home meetings against FC Bayern (W2, D2). The Munich club are not winless away from home against any other club in the top flight for so long.

Garcia's strike was the ninth goal that Bayer 04 have scored in the opening quarter of an hour this season -  the most in the Bundesliga. The Werkself were still dictating in the final 15 minutes and came close to regaining the lead with 76 percent possession. The shooting stats underline this: 21 attempts for the hosts, 11 for the visitors. In terms of possession, pass completion and tackle success rates, Leverkusen were also on a par with the German record champions.

Coming up: Arsenal and Heidenheim before international break

The Werkself now have back-to-back away matches before the international break. This Tuesday, 17 March (21:00 CET), Leverkusen travel to Arsenal for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Then on Saturday 21 March (15:30 CET0, they visit Bundesliga bottom club 1. FC Heidenheim 1846.