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)
Bayer 04 are away to Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb on Matchday 5 of the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. The game kicks off on Thursday 26 November at 18:45 CET at the Maksimir Stadium. All the information on ticket sales.
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