Werkself Review #M05B04: Strange start, positive ending

Summary: Non-stop drama

The Werkself experienced one last "wild ride" on the final day in Mainz, as midfielder Robert Andrich accurately described afterwards. Leverkusen picked the ball out of their net four times inside the first 35 minutes, but after Nadiem Amiri (15'), Jae-sung Lee (31'), and Andreas Hanche-Olsen (32') all had their efforts ruled out, only Paul Nebel's 35th-minute strike counted to give the energetic hosts the lead. VAR was deployed a total of six times on the day, including early in the second half when Patrik Schick was fouled and converted the resulting penalty to level the score (49'). Five minutes later, the Czech international headed the Werkself in front. Jonathan Burkardt cancelled out that lead just nine minutes later, though - also from the spot and also following a VAR decision. The Zerofivers found the net for the sixth time through Stefan Bell in stoppage time, but this goal didn't comply with the rules either, so it ended in a 2-2 draw. Read the full match report HERE.

Reaction: 'Will take a lot from the last three years into the future'

Head coach Xabi Alonso started the press conference with praise for Mainz head coach Bo Henriksen, who has led the team to Conference League qualification. "Congratulations, Bo, on this superb season - you play superb football and deserve to play in Europe!“ Henriksen also had some nice words for Alonso: "It was a pleasure to see you again, Xabi. I've not managed to win against you in this time, but I also congratulate you on an impressive season."

Alonso summarised the match as follows: "We're happy that we've remained unbeaten away from home for the second season running. To be honest, I had my doubts that we'd achieve our target in the first half. Admittedly it got quite loud in my last half-time talk. But then we showed a reaction. Overall it's been a good season, finishing runners-up and qualifying early for the Champions League again, even if it still hurts a bit that we're not playing in the DFB Cup final next Saturday. But all is good."

Captain Lukas Hradecky was also satisfied with the conclusion the campaign: "The first half today was the opposite of the first half against Dortmund, but the second half and the record leave a much better taste and we can really enjoy the break now." When asked about the reasons for the record on the road, the Finn said: "First and foremost the fans, of course - I think the away section has been sold almost every time for the last two years. That always just makes you really up for it. And we have a very good and comfortable bus (laughs)."

What the papers say: 'Leverkusen simply unbeatable on the road'

Bild  summed up the eventful encounter: "34 away games in the Bundesliga, zero defeats - Leverkusen are simply unbeatable on the road, in two years, a Bundesliga record. The Werkself earned a 2-2 draw at Mainz despite a horror first half." kicker wrote: "It was clear to see in the opening minutes of the match that only one team had something to play for. Leverkusen just didn't get into the game, which from a sporting point of view was irrelevant." But they admitted: "Xabi Alonso must not have been satisfied with his team's first-half display. Having been completely inferior in the first half, his team turned the game around within minutes." The Rheinische Post took a similar view: "Leverkusen started very badly at Mainz and conceded four goals in the first half - only the fourth of them counted, though. The Werkself had other problems, too, and were a bit lucky at the en d."

Personnel: Schick, Schick, Schick

Schick netted his 20th and 21st goals of this Bundesliga season. Following his brace, the Czech striker has scored every 76 minutes on average in the 2024/25 campaign - that's the best among all players in Europe's top five leagues who have played at least 300 minutes.

And of course, there were again loud chants directed towards Jonathan Tah and Alonso from the 3,500 travelling fans at full time. Alonso also had some touching words for the fans and the Bundesliga at his final press conference as Bayer 04 head coach: "Thanks to the fans, it was another loud and nice atmosphere today for my farewell. In general, the fans and the noise in the stadiums everywhere are what make the Bundesliga special. I'll take a lot from the last three years with me into my future."

Talking of Alonso, the Spaniard has made 107 changes to his starting line-up in the Bundesliga this season, a league high. By way of comparison, yesterday's opponents Mainz have made just 46, with only FC St. Pauli making fewer in the league (45).

Stats: Two seasons unbeaten away

The hosts had 20 attempts on goal, the Werkself seven. Leverkusen also had 52.4 percent possession, but Mainz won 52.5 percent of all duels. The visitors' pass completion rate was 77.6 percent, with Mainz at around 73 percent. Once again the Black-and-Reds came from behind and they've gained 14 points from losing positions this term - no other side have managed more.

Side fact: Nadiem Amiri has provided five assists for Mainz in this Bundesliga season. He only managed more in the 2020/21 campaign - and that was for Bayer 04 (six).

As mentioned, the draw means the Werkself are unbeaten in 34 away matches in the Bundesliga. That's two whole seasons without defeat on the road, a record in the German top flight.

Looking ahead: U19 final at the BayArena

The Werkself now head off for their well-earned summer holidays. However, there's still one more important match at the BayArena as the Bayer 04 U19 side battle it out against 1. FC Köln in the final for the German championship. Over 23,000 spectators are expected at the BayArena, where kick-off is at 11:00 CEST.