Werkself Review #B04SVW: Relief and looking ahead to 'next important games'

Summary: Confidently saw it through

After a plucky start from Bremen, Bayer 04 took control of the game. After the first chance for Loïc Badé in the eighth minute, Patrik Schick put the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed for handball by the Czech birthday boy. The hosts wasted further opportunities before Lucas Vázquez put the Black-and-Reds in front from an Ibrahim Maza assist in the 37th minute. There were more Leverkusen chances after the break before the contest somewhat petered out, with the Werkself alowing the visitors more possession and concentrating on defending - with success. Read the full match report.

Reaction: 'An important win'

Afterwards, head coach Kasper Hjulmand had this to say: "Respect to Werder Bremen, they were difficult opponents. We had a lot of good chances in the first half and should've really scored more than one goal. In the second half we fought really well. It was an important win. Three points and a clean sheet - we're very relieved and can now look ahead."

Vázquez commented: "We needed this after three defeats, it's a very important win. The upcoming matches are just as important, though, which we also want to win. We have to keep working hard and fighting." Teammate and provider Maza made similar points: "We made it clear beforehand that we needed the three points - for our position in the league and our confidence. We're happy that we succeeded. We now need to take the confidence and belief in our quality for the next important games."

Meanwhile, captain Robert Andrich stressed to DAZN with his usual ambition: "With our normal strength and our usual rhythm, this win shouldn't have been so narrow. We had a lot of chances. But nevertheless, I'm very pleased about these three points!"

What the papers say: 'Leverkusen get the job done'

kicker described Werder as "harmless in attack", while describing Bayer 04's victory as a "classic laboured win", continuing: "The Werkself didn't have a huge number of chances, but controlled the game and deservedly took the lead. Maza's great through ball found Vazquez, who neatly finished slotted it in." The headline in the Rheinische Post read: "Bayer end mini crisis. Leverkusen get job done against Bremen." According to the RP, the victory was collected "without much sparkle but deservedly". 

In their report, Bild referred to FC Bayern Munich's match against FC Augsburg in its headline with the words: "Bayern slip-up makes Leverkusen happy: Bayer maintain champions' record!" Munich suffered their first Bundesliga loss of the season against their Bavarian rivals, meaning they won't end the season as champions - provided that they do become champions - without defeat. This record remains the Werkself's and the Werkself's alone for the time being!

Personnel: Birthday boy, first goal and returnee

Hjulmand made two changes to his starting line-up from the Olympiacos match in midweek. One of those was Schick, who celebrated his 30th birthday on the same day and was denied a goal by a handball decision, as mentioned. The man who did score the legit Leverkusen goal was Vázquez, who got to celebrate his first strike in the black and red shirt. "It's a special day for me and I'm delighted to have helped the team with the goal," said the Spaniard. Felicidades, Lucas! And of course, many happy returns, Patrik!

Not in the starting XI but back in the squad after a long time was Exequiel Palacios. The Argentine came on in the 72nd minute, making his comeback after over four months out through injury. His last appearance came in the 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Hjulmand's successful debut as Bayer 04 coach back in September. "I'm very glad to be back," said Palacios. "I'm also pleased for Lucas and his goal, and about the three points. I'm happy to be back on the pitch with my teammates and in general to be able to play football again." Nice to have you back, Pala!

Statistics: Good record against Bremen extended

Bayer 04 finished the first half with around 60 percent possession, but by full time it was pretty much neck and neck (50.5%-49.5%). The balance of shots on goal was slightly in favour of Werder (17 to 13), but Bayer 04 still continued their positive recent record in this match-up: the Black-and-Reds have now only lost one of their last 12 Bundesliga encounters with Bremen.

Up next: League phase concludes at BayArena

The Werkself are back in action with a decisive Champions League clash in midweek. On the final matchday of the league phase, 20th-placed Bayer 04 host Villarreal, still winless in Europe this season and in 31st place. With a place in the play-off round at stake for Leverkusen, kick-off is at 21:00 on Wednesday 28 January at the BayArena. As a reminder, the teams ranked ninth to 24th go into the play-offs in February. Tickets are on general sale HERE.