With two changes to the starting XI compared with the 1-1 draw in Bochum before the international break, Bayer 04 were on top at the start of the game but then suffered two early setbacks: Niklas Dorsch (10') and Mathias Honsak (21') scored for FC Heidenheim. The Werkself did not give up and converted their superiority on the pitch into a double whammy with two goals in two minutes: Exequiel Palacios on the turn (30') and Patrik Schick with an impressive lob (32') levelled the scoreline. It was 2-2 at half-time with Nathan Tella replacing Jeremie Frimpong just before the break. Schick scored his second goal of the afternoon minutes after the restart (52') – the turnaround completed. That was followed by goal number three and a hat-trick for the Czechia international (71') plus the fifth strike for Leverkusen from Granit Xhaka (82') for the final score of 5-2. HERE is the match report.
Head coach Xabi Alonso summed up the match after the game as follows: "The first half was tough for us, both in terms of football and mentally. Heidenheim caused us a lot of stress in midfield and they played some good man marking. The first goal from Pala was therefore very important to restore belief. The equaliser meant we could be somewhat more relaxed at the start of the second half. We had more stability and were also better mentally. It was a game where a lot happened and we had to put a lot of things right to win the match. But we got the three points in the end."
Hat-trick hero Patrik Schick said: "A win with a hat-trick – it can’t be better. Fortunately we scored the equaliser before half-time and we were almost perfect in the second half. We want to build on that in the coming weeks." Arthur, who provided the assist for Schick's third goal, declared: "It was a special game for me. I'm very proud of the team and very happy with the home win. My family and friends were here and that makes it even better!"
Granit Xhaka announced his third child is on the way with his goal celebration at 5-2. The Switzerland international said after the home win: "It was a very good team performance in the end even if we obviously imagined a different start to the game. Today we showed what's made us so strong over the past 18 months since I arrived here: never give up and always believe in yourself."
The kicker headline reads "First a brace, then a hat-trick: Bayer turn game around against Heidenheim," the Bild am Sonntag "First horror, then Schick." Edmond Tapsoba, Exequiel Palacios and Patrik Schick will also in the BamS team of the day. The Rheinische Post report included: "Bayer looked clueless at the start. [...] After half-time, Leverkusen showed their quality more and more. [...]“
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger identified a "resurgence" by the Werkself. And added: "After the restart, we saw a lot of Bayer 04 from last season: lots of ball control, ambitious attacks and rigorous defending." The summary from the newspaper: "Turning this game round was enormously important for the double winners otherwise they could have been in a serious crisis. But it's a sign of the strength of the team to be able to forget the first 25 minutes. Nevertheless, Xabi Alonso will have to work on his team’s slow start. But confidence should have risen. That's important for the seven games before Christmas."
The key player of the match was obviously Patrik Schick who has scored in two Bundesliga games in succession for the first time since May. His hat-trick against Heidenheim was his third for Bayer 04 in the Bundesliga – only Ulf Kirsten (seven) has clocked up more in a Leverkusen jersey. Head coach Xabi Alonso said in response to a question about the Czechia international: "We have once again seen Patrik's great quality – above all his second goal was top!"
More good news: Arthur played in the Bundesliga again for the first time since the end of August and he produced an impressive display – including as the provider for Schick to make it 4-2. Also, the U19 centre-forward Artem Stepanov was in the senior squad first time in the Bundesliga and the second time in total after the DFB Pokal first round tie in Jena (1-0).
Under Xabi Alonso, Bayer 04 have never conceded two goals in a game as quickly as against FC Heidenheim (21 minutes). But the Werkself showed their resilience and hit back. After goals from Exequiel Palacios and Patrik Schick the record shows 16 goals in the first 45 minutes – more than any other Bundesliga side. The Werkself have already picked up nine points after being behind in the current Bundesliga campaign – more than any other team. For the first time since April 2016, Leverkusen came back from 2-0 down to win a Bundesliga game (3-2 at Schalke 04).
Bayer 04 also had a clear advantage in terms of the match stats: 20 shots on goal to 6, 79% possession and a significantly better pass completion rate (91% to 72%) speak volumes. The Werkself also played an impressive 947 passes – the highest number from a team in this Bundesliga season. FCH only came out on top in duels (55%).
The Werkself have three busy weeks coming up. FC Salzburg visit the BayArena on Tuesday, 26 November (kick-off: 21.00 CET) on Matchday 5 in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. That is followed by two games on the road at Union Berlin (Saturday, 30 November, 15.30 CET) and away to Bayern Munich (Tuesday, 3 December, 20.45 CET) in the DFB Pokal Round of 16. The other opponents before the end of the year are FC St. Pauli, Inter Milan, FC Augsburg and SC Freiburg.
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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