The script is quickly explained: Bayer 04 dominated the match against the runaway league leaders in the Regional League North East as expected but found it very difficult to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. The Werkself did have one good chance just after the half-hour mark when Amine Adli broke into the opposition penalty area from the right and his powerful shot put one of the Jena goalposts through a stability test (31'). The introduction of Alejandro Grimaldo for the second half quickly paid dividends: A beautifully hit a cross from the left from the Spaniard was converted by Jonas Hofmann with a header to secure the winning goal (52'). However, Bayer 04 did not press home the advantage in search of the second goal and they were almost punished in added time when Hamza Muqaj hit the ball over the bar of the goal minded by Matej Kovar from close range (90+3'). The game ended in a 1-0 win for the Werkself. HERE is the match report.
The Werkself knew how to assess their uninspiring win: "None of us went to the limit today or anywhere near it. We made far too many simple mistakes. We have to be honest with ourselves to say that's not good enough," declared Robert Andrich. Goalscorer Jonas Hofmann stated that "as a team we didn't show the dominance that usually makes us stand out." The coach paid a compliment to the opponents: "It was a typical cup tie. Jena did well and fought to the end, it was tough for us," said Xabi Alonso before adding: "We have to work on certain things but we're through to the next round and that’s what counts."
"Leverkusen toiled through to the next round," was the headline in the Rheinische Post and they praised the hosts: "Jena fought with all their might to avoid defeat and they did come close to creating promising situations." The headline in the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger highlighted the scorer of the only goal: "Jonas Hofmann delivers win for Leverkusen." The report detailing the performance of the Werkself says: "Bayer 04 scarcely created an attack in dangerous areas. Mostly there was a lack of precision with the final pass." The efforts of the DFB Pokal holders are also reflected in the following headlines: "Lacklustre into the second round" (Kölnische Rundschau) and "Bayer trudge on" (kicker).
The scorer of the winning goal Jonas Hofmann could afford to smile – not just because he was named Man of the Match by the DFB. The 32-year-old was particularly happy with a late first in his professional career: "I knew straightaway it was my first headed goal. Of course, I'm happy that it not only works in training but that I have also finally begun to score with my head in a match." Three Leverkusen youth players were able to gain a lot of positive impressions from the DFB Pokal trip to Thüringia even though they did not play: Othniel Raterink, Francis Onyeka and Artem Stepanov from the Bayer 04 U19 team were in the Werkself matchday squad for the first time.
Although it was a very tight match, all the statistics were clearly in favour of last season's double winners. Bayer 04 had 16 to 6 shots on goal, 74% possession and they won 57% of challenges. There was also a clear lead in pass completion with 90% compared with the Jena’s 64%. The Regional League side did dominate in the category of fouls: The hosts committed 17 and Leverkusen six.
The Werkself and their supporters will definitely not be bored over the next few days. Today (Thursday) there is the Champions League draw from 18.00 CEST. That is followed by Bundesliga matchday two with RB Leipzig visiting the BayArena on Saturday, 31 August (kick-off: 18.30 CEST). The weekend is rounded off on Sunday (live broadcast on ZDF from 17.10 CEST) at the Football Museum in Dortmund with the draw for the second round ties in the DFB Pokal with the games to be played on 29 and 30 October.
Following the end of the season for Bayer 04, a lot of Werkself players are currently on the road with their national teams. The Leverkusen players are involved in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and international friendlies. Read on for the latest news on international fixtures involving Werkself players.
Show more
The Silver Boot award from the VDV players union: Werkself player Florian Wirtz has again been voted Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2024/25 by his fellow professionals following on from his win last season in 2023/24.
Show more
Claudia Wenger is the fourth summer signing for the Bayer 04 Women. Like the striker Valentina Mädl, the defender comes from the Austrian serial champions SKN St. Pölten. In a brief interview with bayer04.de the Austrian international talks about her move to the Werkself.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have strengthened the Women's squad with an additional Austrian from SKN St. Pölten: Claudia Wenger has joined the Werkself following on from striker Valentina Mädl. The 24-year-old can play in central defence or as a holding midfielder and her contract at Leverkusen runs to 30 June 2027.
Show more
While most of the players from the Bayer 04 Women's Bundesliga squad are enjoying their summer break, four players are again away on international duty. Three of them are in action in the UEFA Women's Nations League and three are away with Germany junior teams.
Show more
