Head coach Xabi Alonso made three changes to his line-up for the game against Inter Milan compared with the2-1 win against Bundesliga newcomers FC St. Pauli: Lukas Hradecky made way for Matej Kovar in goal with Jonathan Tah wearing the captain's armband tonight. Nordi Mukiele and Jeremie Frimpong came in for Arthur and Aleix Garcia.
The Werkself made a confident start to the game and had the majority of possession. The first attacking opportunity for the Black and Reds came in the third minute: Frimpong crossed the ball into the middle and Nathan Tella hit a volley against the bar. Shortly after that, Alejandro Grimaldo tested the Inter keeper Yann Sommer (11'), Granit Xhaka forced his fellow countrymen to make a save on 19 minutes. Wirtz had a shot on goal from distance towards the end of the first half (34') with the visitors having few attacking moves and no clear-cut chances. The first half ended goalless.
The Werkself started the second 45 playing with control and an intense passing game. The Nerazzurri, mainly focused on defending, made it difficult for the Werkself to find a way through the Italian defence. Frimpong had a chance on 53 minutes but missed the target. And an effort from Tah just after the hour mark flew just wide of the Inter goal (65'). The Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi then made a triple substitution that included bring on Lautaro Martinez.
The Italian trio failed to invigorate the Inter Milan game. On the contrary: The Nerazzurri appeared to be increasingly satisfied with a draw and put less effort into their own attacking play. However, the Werkself refused to give up and hit back with a last-minute winner: Nordi Mukiele sealed the victory on 90 minutes with an assist from substitute Martin Terrier. That secured three points against the Italian side who had previously conceded no goals in the competition!
Next up for the Werkself is the last match on the road in this calendar year. Bayer 04 are away to FC Augsburg on Saturday, 14 December (kick-off: 15.30 CET). That will be followed by the final home game and last match in 2024: The Werkself entertain SC Freiburg at the BayArena on Saturday, 21 December (kick-off: 18.30 CET).
Match stats:
Bayer 04: Kovar - Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapie - Mukiele, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo (Garcia 90+3') - Frimpong, Wirtz (Andrich 90+3') - Tella (Terrier 83')
Inter Milan: Sommer - Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni - Darmian, Frattesi (Barella 66'), Calhanoglu (Asllani 66'), Zielinski, Augusto (Dimarco 56') - Thuram (L. Martinez 66'), Taremi (Arnautovic 85')
Goals: 1-0 Mukiele (90’)
Yellow cards: Calhanoglu, Augusto
Referee: Slavko Vincić (Slovenia)
Attendance: 30,210 (sold out) at the BayArena
Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.
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Calling all Werkself fans: Even during the three-week international break – a first for September and October – you have the chance to visit the BayArena – and for a very special occasion. Bayer 04 is hosting a Health Day on Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 CEST in the Premium Lounge. Together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, the Bundesliga club invites you to an interactive, free event centred on the theme of health. Partners will be present on site with their own exciting activities. Here is an overview of the programme of events.
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