Werkself review #B04FCSP: 'Not going to rest on or laurels, but keep giving it our all'

Summary: Efficient performance ensures progress to the semi-finals

As was the case against Eintracht Frankfurt, the Black & Reds' ability to make the most of their chances was one of their trump cards in the Pokal quarter-final against FC St. Pauli. For long periods, Patrik Schick struggled to break down a brave Kiezkicker defence, and he saw his first effort cleared off the line (16'). The second attempt, however, was superbly volleyed into the left corner by Martin Terrier to give the Werkself the lead on 32 minutes. Despite going behind, the Hamburg side continued to try to get forward and also had their chances before and after the break (39', 49'). However, Leverkusen controlled the game for long spells - and they were the ones who scored again: Schick had no intention of wasting his second opportunity and doubled the lead in the 63rd minute, with substitute Jonas Hofmann wrapping up the win in stoppage time (90'+2).

• Match report
• Highlights

Reaction: "Not going to rest on our laurels"

"Overall, we're delighted, because winning 3-0 against St. Pauli is difficult," reflected head coach Kasper Hjulmand, even if the Dane wasn't entirely satisfied with parts of the first half: "We talked about the structures and intensity during the break and did better in the second half. Our efficiency was also good, which is another step forward." Hjulmand, an avowed fan of the cup competition, is now looking forward to the "big interim goal", the semi-final: "It's important for our team to be in with the chance of winning something. And now we have this great opportunity to go to Berlin."

Edmond Tapsoba is hungry for success and would also like to make the journey to the capital: "Of course we want to win trophies and the Pokal is a big goal for us this year." Although the ambitious centre-back explained that he and his team will have to "improve after this game" if they're going to achieve this, he still sees the Black and Reds making consistent progress: "We're getting to know each other better every day and I like to keep building this team spirit. That's why we're not going to rest on our laurels, but will continue to give our all, no matter who we come up against."

What the papers say: 'Clinical' in 'living up to the role of favourites'

Football magazine kicker witnessed the ‘efficiency’ of a Werkself that ‘nullified any danger from their opponents’ as the crucial factor, while the Rheinische Post also attested to the Black and Reds 'coolly converting their chances’. ‘Leverkusen lived up to their role as favourites’ and 'once again put in a clinical performance’, stated the Süddeutsche Zeitung. And the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger saw light and shade in Leverkusen's performance, but made special mention of the creative Aleix Garcia and the committed substitute Jonas Hofmann.

Personnel: Palacios' comeback in the starting XI - MOTM Terrier with maiden goal

Janis Blaswich wasn't the only player to make his first appearance in this season's DFB Pokal campaign. Exequiel Palacios also got his first minutes in this competition. It was actually only the Argentinian world champion and double winner's second start this season after the home win against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde on Bundesliga Matchday 3 (3-1).

Martin Terrier, who was officially crowned Man of the Match after the clash, not only got on the scoresheet with another impressive strike, but it was also his forst goal in the cup. His fourth competitive goal this season means he's already doubled his tally from last term. For Bayer's go-to scorer Patrik Schick, his goal to make it 2-0 - his fifth in the last three home cup games - was also a special one: the Czech is now the Werkself's sole record goalscorer in DFB Pokal quarter-finals.

Kasper Hjulmand, too, is on course for a personal record. He's yet to win more than four games in a row with his team this season. On Saturday at Borussia Mönchengladbach, he has the chance to secure a fifth straight win.

Stats: Into the semi-final with a golden touch

But when it comes to records, there's more: Bayer 04 scored for the 41st consecutive cup match - a run the club has never before achieved and also the longest current run of any team. It's also the first time the Werkself have secured three straight semi-final appearances under the cross since 1904.

The Werkself have now won each of their last six matches in the DFB Pokal at the BayArena fortress and are unbeaten against FC St. Pauli in 12 senior matches. In addition, Hjulmand's side once again tried to maintain as much control as possible in front of their home crowd from the outset and enjoyed almost 80 per cent possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Overall, the Black & Reds held onto the ball for 61 per cent of the match and, with a pass completion ratio of 91 per cent, were particularly accurate when moving the ball around.

Last but not least, the quality from the bench was also impressive: Hofmann's 3-0 was Leverkusen's fifth goal scored by a substitute in the competition - no other team can boast as many.

Coming up: M'gladbach then another St. Pauli clash

This Saturday, 7 February, the Werkself continue their Bundesliga campaign at Borussia Mönchengladbach at 15.30 CET. A week later, on 14 February, FC St. Pauli will once again be the visitors at the BayArena. Kick-off on Carnival Saturday is also at 15.30 CET. Get an overview of the current status of ticket sales HERE.