Werkself review #SVWB04: A perfect week

SUMMARY: WERKSELF PRODUCE STRONG RESPONSE AND WIN

The spectators at a sold-out wohninvest Weserstadion initially witnessed an evenly balanced encounter. The first times Bayer 04 approached the hosts' goal came from combined efforts by Moussa Diaby and Amine Adli (5', 11', 15'). Werder made their first real attack on the half-hour mark – and scored straightaway: Set up by Jens Stage, Marvin Ducksch opened the scoring for the Green and Whites with a shot in the penalty area (30'). But Leverkusen produced a prompt response: Just four minutes later, Mitchel Bakker levelled at 1-1 with a powerful strike. In the second half, Werder Bremen's Niklas Stark deflected a shot from Jeremie Frimpong and the ball ended up in the net to give Bayer 04 a 2-1 lead (56'). The match came alive again with seven minutes to play: Adam Hlozek put the Werkself 3-1 up with a header, Niclas Füllkrug pulled a goal back from the penalty spot (86') following a handball by Piero Hincapie and the game ended 3-2. HERE is the match report.

REACTION: WIN "IMPORTANT FOR OUR DEVELOPMENT"

Keeper Lukas Hradecky was clearly satisfied in an interview with Werkself TV: "Hats off to Bremen as they made life difficult for us today. But the win was not undeserved and it was very important for us and we could have perhaps scored more goals. We are on a good run and games like that help us a lot with our development." And goalscorer Frimpong was also happy: "It was a difficult game today. It was a fight and it was about who wanted it more. Sometimes you don't score the best goals but they all count." Jonathan Tah took a similar view of the game: "We didn't start well and we gave them too much space. But then we got into the game and were fortunately very effective." The defender was also confident ahead of the forthcoming matches: "We've suffered a lot recently and that has brought us together. The win gives us energy and a good feeling for the next matches."

PERSONNEL: HRADECKY'S 150th LEAGUE GAME FOR BAYER 04

After the captain celebrated making his 200th appearance for Bayer 04 last weekend in the 4-1 home against Hertha Berlin, the Finn has reached another landmark: The 33-year-old made his 150th Bundesliga appearance for the Werkself in the game in Bremen. Congratulations, Lukas.

STATS: EVEN STEVEN

The Werkself had a total of 13 shots on Jiri Pavlenka's goal, Werder Bremen had 12 attempts. It was different in terms of possession: Werder had their noses in front with 53% and the same applied to challenges won with the Bremen team having 57%. The hosts had a pass completion rate of 77% and Leverkusen 73%.

WHAT THE PAPERS SAY: "DOMINANT EVEN WITHOUT WIRTZ"

A lot of praise from the press. The Süddeutsche Zeitung headline: "Dominant even without Wirtz. Bayer Leverkusen remain on course for European spot after the 3-2 win in Bremen." The Express took a similar view: "Pure luxury: Bayer rest Wirtz and win." The Rheinische Post above all praised the performances of the Leverkusen players on the wings: "Bakker and Frimpong turn it round." The Leverkusener Anzeiger awarded top marks to Frimpong: "In spite of slight muscular problems, he was again the speed nightmare for the opponents. Provider of the equaliser. And scorer at 2-1. Man of the match." And kicker also named the Dutchman as their man of the match: "He provided the cross for the equaliser at 1-1 and put Leverkusen 2-1 up himself: Jeremie Frimpong played a crucial role in the Werkself win with his good attacking play.”

OUTLOOK: ROUND OF 16 IN BUDAPEST

The next fixture is just around the corner: The team have a day off today but the Werkself will train in Leverkusen for the next two days. The first game this week is on Thursday 16 March: Lukas Hradecky and Co. are away to Ferencváros in the Round of 16 second leg in the Europa League. The kick-off at the Puskás Aréna is at 21.00 CET. Another two subsequent training sessions in Leverkusen will be followed by the clash with the record champions Bayern Munich on Sunday 19 March. The kick off at the BayArena is at 17.30 CET.