Werkself review #B04FCB: In the game 'for a long time' thanks to 'great keeper'

Summary: Narrow defeat despite positive second half

In the opening phase, the Werkself initially concentrated on disciplined defensive work against a pressing FC Bayern. That was successful for long stretches - with two exceptions, where goalkeeper Mark Flekken had to intervene to deny Luis Díaz (16’) and Harry Kane (17’). The Dutchman was powerless to stop Kane's second shot for the opener (21’). After the goal, the Black and Reds gave little away before half-time, but did not create any more dangerous chances either. Seven minutes after the restart, Nathan Tella came close to equalising, but Manuel Neuer saved his shot. A little later, a header from Patrik Schick went just over the bar (70'). In the closing stages, the Werkself pushed FCB back into their own half once more, but were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities and went 2-0 down when Luis Díaz scored in added time from a counter-attack (90+3’).

• Match report
• Match highlights

Reaction: 'Achieved something not many teams have managed'

When asked about his team's second half, head coach Kasper Hjulmand said : "We were much livelier and played faster going forward. Nevertheless, our opponents made it very difficult for us." The Dane praised his goalkeeper, among others: "Mark made several good saves that allowed us to stay in the game for a long time." FCB coach Vincent Kompany was also impressed by the Werkself's second half: "Leverkusen did something not many teams have managed to do against us: After our strong first half, they continued to play football and fought their way back into the game. That was simply very good."

"If you look at the performance over 90 minutes, we didn't deserve to win," said a disappointed captain Robert Andrich, who also conceded: "We had two or three good chances in the second half. If we equalise, then everything is possible again." Mark Flekken agreed: "We found our game and our rhythm much better in the second half." The goalkeeper wants to take those 45 minutes as a positive going into the final games of the season : "If we manage to turn this second half into the whole game, then we're capable of a lot."

What the papers: Praise for 'Werkself player' of the match

The kicker writes of Leverkusen, who "only woke up late in the game" and "became more attacking" in the second half. Bild Zeitung praised Flekken as a "great keeper", the Leverkusener Anzeiger awarded him top marks and the Rheinische Post named him the "best Werkself player", who "kept his team in the game for a long time", so that Patrik Schick "even almost scored the equaliser with his head."

Personnel: Flekken makes eight saves

The fact only two of FC Bayern's 20 shots on goal found their way into the net was largely down to Mark Flekken, who reacted impressively on several occasions. The Dutchman not only proved himself to be strong on the ball, but he also thwarted eight clear-cut chances.​

Stats: Historic run comes to an end

This 2-0 defeat was the Werkself's first DFB Pokal match without scoring since the quarter-finals in the 2014/15 campaign, after which Bayer 04 achieved the feat of scoring in 41 consecutive Pokal ties - the fourth-longest run of goals by a club in the history of the DFB Pokal.

After Bayern Munich's dominant start, Leverkusen gained more and more control in the second half and managed just under 50 per cent possession against the German record champions. While the pass completion of the two teams were also on a par, the Black and Reds turned out to be more tenacious by winning 52 per cent of duels in the game.

Next up: Away to FC Köln then at home to RB Leipzig

The next Bundesliga fixtures await the Werkself: On Saturday, 25 April, Bayer 04 are away to FC Köln at the RheinEnergieSTADION at 15:30 CEST. A week later, the Black and Reds welcome RB Leipzig, a direct rival in the race for Champions League qualification, to the BayArena. The kick-off on Saturday, 2 May, is at 18:30 CEST - There are still a few tickets available HERE.