In a first half, that failed to produce decent goalscoring opportunities for either side, Leverkusen had more possession but were unable to pose a real threat to the opposition goal. The Black and Reds were unable to find a way through and showed insufficient attacking guile to overcome the opposition defence. “We weren’t focussed enough from the start of the game. We lacked the necessary energy and movement up front,” complained Feifel.
Bayer 04 had the upper hand in the second half – but a lapse of concentration on 61 minutes saw FC Köln take the lead: Mandy Islacker set up Amber Barrett for a tap-in to make it 1-0. Following the opening goal, the second division side concentrated on defending. Milena Nikolic looked to hit back on 75 minutes when she controlled the ball in the penalty area but her shot flew over the bar. Substitute Verena Wieder had another chance in the closing stages but she just failed to connect with the ball in the opposition box on 80 minutes.
Bayer 04 were aware that time was running out and they risked everything up front in the final minutes. A contentious decision with two minutes to play when Nina Brüggemann was pushed in the penalty area – referee Vanessa Arlt did not see any reason to award a penalty. In the final attack, Melissa Friedrich tried her luck but her shot was deflected away from the opposition net.
“The opposition get a chance and score the goal – we were chasing the game after that. We lacked the necessary efficiency and were often too hectic in our attacks on their goal,” said Feifel looking for explanations.
The next game:
The Werkself Women entertain TSG Hoffenheim on Sunday 8 November on matchday 8 in the FLYERALARM Women’s Bundesliga. The kick-off is at 14.00 CET.
Match stats:
FC Köln: Klett – Calo, Nietgen, Hirano, Hild – Pfluger (Gosch 84’), Gudorf (Beckmann 58’), Beck, Rinast – Islacker, Barrett (Kohr 80’)
Bayer 04: Klink – Marti, Friedrich, Brüggemann, Sahlmann (Kerschowski 68’) – Rackow (Wieder 64’), Wirtz, Wich (Turanyi 88’), Zeller – Nikolic, Rudelic (Kögel 47’)
Goals: 1-0 Barrett (62’)
Booked: – / Wich, Brüggemann
Referee: Vanessa Arlt (Münster)
The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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