Werkself review #B04HSV: ‘Small details that make the difference at this level’

Summary: Schick misses from the spot, Quansah levels

Bayer 04 were on the front foot from the off and pinned HSV deep in their own half. In the first 15 minutes, less than ten percent of the action took place in Leverkusen’s third. At times, the Werkself enjoyed more than 70 percent of the ball and had presentable chances, but they failed to take their best one when Patrik Schick missed a penalty (25’) after Hamburg’s Jordan Torunarigha had upended him. The contest was level at half-time. The Black and Reds were still dominant in the second half but found themselves trailing after Fabio Viera’s effort from distance. Jarell Quansah’s deflected header levelled the scores (79’), but another goal refused to come.

• The full match report

Reaction: ‘It wasn’t enough for our big goal’

“In the end, it wasn’t enough for our big goal,” Mark Flekken told Werkself TV after Bayer 04 missed out on a Champions League spot by three points. “We had a difficult start, the squad with so many new players had to find its rhythm first. Towards the winter, we had a very good run with great displays and results. We were too weak after the winter break and unnecessarily dropped some points in the final spurt.” Captain Robert Andrich added: “The number of points (59, ed.) is quite decent, but in the end it wasn’t enough for the Champions League, so we mainly feel disappointed right now. But it would be wrong to write off the whole season – we had many matches where we were ably to delight and entertain the fans. In the end, there were just too many small details that make the difference at this very high level.”

Head coach Kasper Hjulmand said at the post-match press conference: “We had many clear-cut chances today, including the penalty, we were dominant in all regards. Of course we had to win the match.” The Dane added with regard to the campaign: “It wasn’t an easy season, even though we turned in a lot of good performances. Of course we’re annoyed that a few points were missing. We tried everything to qualify for the Champions League until the end. Unfortunately, we failed to achieve that. But overall, I must praise the team and the staff for their work and dedication this season.”

What the papers say: ‘Glut of missed chances’

kicker saw “a glut of missed chances” for the Werkself: “Leverkusen were dominant from the start, enjoyed more of the ball and applied immense pressure.” The Rheinische Post echoed this and mentioned “a number of missed chances.” The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger concluded: “Leverkusen will play in the Europa League, which is the fair outcome of a season with many ups and downs.”

Personnel: Next goal contribution for Garcia – Schick’s rare fate

Aleix Garcia set up Quansah’s fourth goal this season. The Spaniard’s assist from a free-kick marked his eighth this Bundesliga campaign – more than any other Bayer 04 player. He was involved in at least one goal in all of his last three Bundesliga matches (one goal, two assists). Schick missed a penalty in the Bundesliga for the first time since 2022. Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes said goodbye to loan keeper Jonas Omlin. The Bayer 04 directors thanked the 32-year-old Swiss for his efforts in the last six months.

Stats: Dominant in all respects – except the most important one

The Werkself’s dominance was reflected in the stats: Bayer 04 recorded 60 percent possession, 55 percent challenges won and 26 shots on goal. However, the number of goals scored didn’t reflect their dominance.

Up next: World Cup and first confirmed fixtures

Several Bayer 04 pros will be in action in the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July. It will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. The Werkself will play Offenbacher Kickers on 25 July before the training camp in Blankenhain in Thuringia. All other dates will be communicated via the usual channels.