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)
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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