Werkself review #B04WOB: ‘This important win can give us a lift’

Summary: Four Leverkusen goals in the second half

A quieter first half-hour, with Jonas Wind putting Wolfsburg ahead (16'), was followed by a frenetic and goal-laden final phase in the first half. Alejandro Grimaldo scored a penalty to level at 1-1 (30') and that was followed by the second VfL goal just one minute later by Joakim Maehle, who had given the penalty away. Christian Eriksen increased the lead for the visitors at 3-1 (38') - also from the peanelty spot - before Grimaldo reduced the deficit to 3-2 before the break (44'). The encounter remained spectacular after the break, but this time with Bayer 04 on top: substitute Patrik Schick equalised with a penalty (53'), Edmond Tapsoba (68’), Ibrahim Maza (73’) and Malik Tillman in the sixth minute of added time made the final score 6-3 for a reinvigorated Werkself.

• Match report
• Match highlights
• Full match replay

Reaction: "Shifted up a few gears after the break"

Ibrahim Maza summed the game up speaking to the Werkself TV: "We were a bit dozy in the first half and made a few mistakes in defence. But then we all shifted up a few gears after the break. We wanted to be aggressive defensively and offensively, and we managed that. We then did really well. The win was very important." For his part, two-goal scorer Alejandro Grimaldo said: "We conceded three goals in the first half. But we spoke at half-time and then did much better. Four goals and a win - that's what counts. We want to get into the Champions League and we have to show that in every game!"

Head coach Kasper Hjulmand summed up the match as follows: "Of course, we're very happy to get the three points. But in a game like that with so much control, possession and attacking, we can't concede three goals. Obviously, we have to do better. After the break, however, we played better football and showed morale and character. This important win can give us a lift for the remaining games."

• Post-match reaction
• Post-match press conference

What the papers say: "Spectacular victory" in a “turbulent game”

Bild Zeitung witnessed a "spectacular victory" and a "completely crazy 6-3", while the Rheinische Post described a "penalty fest" and a "turbulent" game. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger awarded Patrik Schick and Alejandro Grimaldo top marks. kicker reported: "Thanks to an improved performance in the second half, Bayer Leverkusen got back into the race for a Champions League spot with a 6-3 win against Wolfsburg, who put up a strong fight in the first half."

Personnel: Schick in an elite group - Grimaldo continues run

With his goal against Wolfsburg, Patrik Schick has now scored against every one of the 25 teams he has faced in the Bundesliga - only two other players can claim the same feat against at least three opponents: Harry Kane (20) and Miroslav Klose (28). Schick also scored his 100th goal in Europe's top five leagues (84 in the Bundesliga and 16 in Italy's Serie A), something no Czech has ever achieved before.

Alejandro Grimaldo also got on the scoresheet - and was once again one of the most eye-catching players in the Black and Red line-up - and he continued his run: In the past three league fixtures, the Spaniard has been directly involved in five goals (3 goals, 2 assists). He also hit six shots on goal in this game, the joint-highest tally by a Leverkusen player in the current Bundesliga season. It was his third brace of the season. Edmond Tapsoba, for his part, is now the most prolific centre-back in the current campaign with five goals, together with Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV).

There was further good news before kick-off: Loïc Bad returned after a lengthy injury lay-off, as did Eliesse Ben Seghir, who was included in the matchday squad for the first time this year. It was a first start for Nathan Tella since the opening fixture in 2026 at the beginning of January

Stats: Goal-hungry Werkself have 25 shots

Morale demonstrated, deficit turned around: For the first time since September 2024, Bayer 04 won a Bundesliga home game after trailing at half-time - also against Wolfsburg back then. It was also the first league win since March last year after trailing by at least two goals (4-3 against VfB Stuttgart).

Leverkusen's superiority was not only reflected in the final score. In addition to having the majority of possession (69%) and better passing completion (87%; Wolfsburg: 76%), the Werkself had an impressive 25 shots on goal (Wolfsburg: 11).

Next up: Away to Borussia Dortmund

The Werkself continue the Bundesliga campaign next Saturday, 11 April, at 15:30 CEST away to second-placed Borussia Dortmund. Remaining tickets for the match at Signal Iduna Park are available HERE.