Werkself exit Europa League after 2-0 defeat

"We are very disappointed," declared Jonathan Tah after the game. "We had big plans and wanted to go through. Unfortunately it didn't work out."

Werkself coach Peter Bosz made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Augsburg: Wendell, Sven Bender, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Kerem Demirbay made way for Daley Sinkgraven, Aleksandar Dragovic, Jonathan Tah and Jeremie Frimpong. That involved change of formation to 3-4-3, which was the same as the formation adopted by the Werkself in the impressive second-half in the first leg in Bern.

bern Well organised - Action down the flanks

The visitors from Switzerland were better prepared for that tactical change and may skilfully tightened up, particularly in the middle of the park. So the Werkself initially tried to make progress down the wings with the attack-minded Frimpong looking busy on the right flank. The first decent chance came from that side after Charles Aránguiz won the ball but Leon Bailey Was denied by the Young Boys keeper David von Ballmoos (15') and moments later the Jamaican prevented from shooting by Jordan Lefort (16'). Shortly after that, the visitors had their first attempt on goal with Michel Aebischer's shot from the edge of the penalty area blocked by one of his own players (18').

The Werkself remained the more likely the two teams to score with Moussa Diaby moving to the right side to reinforce the right wing. And it was a surprising that the next dangerous situation came down the right flank with Patrik Schick unable to connect with a Frimpong cross (25'). But, as in the first leg, the Swiss showed their quality on the pitch and they again and again broke free with Siebatcheu having a chance with a header just before the half-hour mark. The Werkself faced a difficult task against a disciplined Seoane team. The Werkself had to work really hard for the next chance fell to Aránguiz but the shot from the Werkself captain sailed past the left upright (35').

Bayer 04 were only able to shine once in the first half with a brilliantly executed move ending with a cross to Schick from Florian Wirtz but the striker prevented from rounding off the action with a goal by Silvan Hefti (39'). That was the most dangerous move in the first half that saw the Werkself have control of the game but they were unable to break through in the final third against a focused Swiss defence.

Lightning start for Bern: Siebatcheu on the spot

The second half started with a bitter blow. From a Young Boys counter-attack, Edmond Tapsoba deflected a cross from Meshack Elia, Niklas Lomb was unable to hold onto the ball leaving Siebatcheu with a simple tap-in from close range (47').

The Werkself now needed two goals – and tried to do that with all their might. Fabian Lustenberger blocked a shot from Diaby (55'), von Ballmoos kept out a back-heel from Bailey after excellent work from Frimpong (57'). Peter Bosz made changes in attack, bringing on Lucas Alario (for Dragovic) as a second striker up front and Demarai Gray replaced Bailey (63’). The first moved by the winter new signing was a cheeky corner aimed at going straight into the goal but von Ballmoos was able to make the save (64').

Fassnacht seals the win

Time was running out for the Werkself and Young Boys continue to defend discipline and focus. The Swiss had all eleven players in and around their own penalty area. A co-production of the two substitutes again provided a real threat with Alario's volley from a Gray cross flashing wide of the target (77'). Bayer 04 again sensed the opportunity and had another good chance with von Ballmoos making an impressive save to keep out a header from Schick (80'). Instead, the team from Bern almost sealed the result with a free kick from substitute Marvin Spielmann hitting the outside the post (83'). Shortly after that it did happen: An impressively executed counter-attack was finished off by Fassnacht lifting the ball over Lomb into the net to make it 2-0 (86') – that was the end of the game.

The Werkself did refuse to give up and had a good chance late on from Alario (90') but Bayer 04 were unable to avoid being knocked out leaving Young Boys Bern a place in the Round of 16. That means the Werkself only have the Bundesliga to focus on with the chance to make amends coming on Sunday: SC Freiburg visit the BayArena with the kick off at 18.00 CET.

Match stats:

Bayer 04: Lomb – Tah, Dragovic (Alario 63'), Tapsoba – Frimpong (Amiri 78'), Wirtz, Aránguiz, Sinkgraven – Bailey (Gray 63' ), Schick, Diaby

BSC Young Boys: von Ballmoos - Hefti, Lustenberger, Zesiger, Lefort - Fassnacht (Gaudino 87'), Aebischer (Sierro 87'), Lauper, Moumi Ngamaelu (Rieder 69') - Elia (Mambimbi 78'), Siebatcheu (Spielmann 78')

Goals: 0-1 Siebatcheu (47’), 0-2 Fassnacht (86’)

Booked: Sinkgraven

Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)