Werkself review #BVBB04: Another last-minute goal to keep record run going

Summary: Few chances, dramatic finish

The game began with both sides getting a feel for each other. Leverkusen enjoyed their usual possession game, pressed high and managed lengthy passing sequences, while Dortmund looked to counter. A header from Jeremie Frimpong, as well as an effort from range and free-kick from Alejandro Grimaldo were the closest the Werkself came in a tight first half. The home side were livelier after the break, but their opener from Niclas Füllkrug in the 82nd minute somewhat came out of nowhere. Xabi Alonso’s men then threw everything they had at snatching an equaliser. Things heated up when Victor Boniface was shown a red card shortly after his introduction, but it was overturned on review. Bayer 04 did then manage to get their leveller when Stanisic headed in a corner in the seventh minute of added time to spark wild celebrations. You can read more about the game in our report.

Reaction: “Totally eager for the equaliser”

Alonso told broadcaster DAZN afterwards: “I was very motivated to play here in Dortmund. We wanted to play with good intensity and mentality again today. Conceding the goal hurt us, but we kept going. We just didn’t want to lose. That’s why the goal was very emotional. Celebrating with the fans was nice. It means a lot to all of us.”

Goalscorer Stanisic added: “We were totally eager for the equaliser after going behind. When I saw the ball had gone in, I was overwhelmed. It was an amazing feeling. We always keep going till the end, and falling behind doesn’t knock our plans. What we’re currently doing is special.”

Granit Xhaka also explained: “Remaining so focused isn’t easy, but we have a challenge, which is to remain unbeaten. Every point helps towards that.”

Press review: “Leverkusen cannot lose”

Bild ran with the headline “Leverkusen simply cannot lose”, adding: “They kept it going for 44 games in all competitions. They were so close to seeing that end. That was until the last-minute kings managed to extend their record unbeaten run.”

The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger summarised: “Bayer 04 moved the ball and opponent around. BVB – even with their world-famous Yellow Wall behind them – failed to get out their own half in the first 15 minutes. Dortmund’s attacking efforts were nipped in the bud by the Werkself’s attentive defence.” The Rheinische Post described: “The Werkself controlled the game, but the hosts made a slightly better start after half-time.” The newspaper also noted the “continuous chants” from the 8,000 away fans in the sold-out Signal Iduna Park. kicker wrote: “The draw is a fair result. The second half was even”.

Personnel: A key suspension

Stanisic’s late header was his second Bundesliga goal for Bayer 04. Florian Wirtz delivered the corner, having come on for Nathan Tella in the 70th minute. He now has 11 goals and 11 assists from 30 Bundesliga games this season.

The incident with Boniface towards the end of the game saw Xhaka pick up his fifth yellow card of the season. He will now miss next weekend’s game at home to VfB Stuttgart.

Statistics: Slight advantage

The Werkself came out on top in almost all statistical areas, even if only just. Leverkusen saw more of the ball (52%), had more shots (13-8) and had the better pass completion rate (87% vs. 84%). Stanisic’s goal was the 15th Bayer 04 have scored beyond the 90th minute in all competitions this season. It was also the team’s 20th from a set piece in the Bundesliga, which is the joint-most in the division with Bayern Munich.

Outlook: Stuttgart at home

The Werkself have a rare week off to prepare for their next game, which sees Stuttgart come to the BayArena on Saturday for Matchday 31 in the Bundesliga. Kick-off is at 6.30pm CEST.