Bayer 04 Women held at home by Eintracht Frankfurt

To mark October as International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the match was dedicated to the theme of health. A range of initiatives were organised to raise awareness of breast cancer and the importance of prevention and early detection. Before kick-off, fans, the coaching team, the staff and the players not in the squad made a visible show of solidarity by wearing pink ribbons. In addition, the Werkself took to the pitch wearing pink sweatshirt jackets and a pink captain’s armband.

However, two key Leverkusen players were missing from the pitch as Roberto Pätzold was forced into two changes from the 3-2 win at home to Werder Bremen a fortnight ago. That saw Marlene Müller and Paulina Platner start in place of Paulina Tomasiak and Sofie Zdebel, who had both returned from international duty with muscular injuries.

Unusual opener

Both teams showed from the start that they had gone out to attack as they look to keep pace with the top two of Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg. Frankfurt had more possession and attempts on goal in the opening minutes, but Bayer 04 remained a threat on the break. It was a set piece, though, that broke the deadlock in unusual circumstances after 14 minutes when Merino Gonzalez delivered a corner into the box that evaded everyone and found the back of the net for her second goal of the season – and one she won’t forget.

Eintracht had to look for a response amidst the rain and winds blowing through Leverkusen, but Rafaela Borggräfe kept calm in the difficult conditions and repelled anything that came her way. The Werkself were quiet going forward themselves until Merino Gonzalez crossed for Müller in the box, but her header went just wide. Up the other end, Frankfurt had their best opportunity when Rebecka Blomqvist was found near the penalty spot, wound up to shoot, only for captain Carolin Simon to fly across and block with a big slide. The crowd of 1,136, which included Fernando Carro and Thomas Eichin, may have been wet but they were being entertained and were no doubt pleased to see their team ahead at the break.

Long-range leveller

Frankfurt had the first attempt of the second period when Blomqvist this time managed to get a shot away inside the box but couldn’t beat Borggräfe. Leverkusen struggled somewhat to break out and were perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty when Maja Sternad caught Dilara Acikgöz.

As the sun finally broke through an hour into the game, Bayer 04 very nearly did the same when Selina Ostermeier met Simon’s free-kick but couldn’t convert. Moments later, Frankfurt restored parity when Blomqvist set up Freigang to strike from distance. Pätzold responded with a triple change of Caroline Kehrer, Vanessa Fudalla and Lumbardha Misni as they sought relief against Eintracht’s pressure.

The Werkself were then able to calm things and create more opportunities for themselves. The best came when Kramer found Kehrer, who saw her shot blocked inside the area. Kramer herself and late substitute Valentina Mädl had chances to win it in the closing minutes.

away at Nürnberg

After back-to-back home games, the Werkself are on the road next up as they visit Nürnberg and the Max-Morlock-Stadion on Sunday, 25 October (16:00 CET).

Match stats:

Bayer 04: Borggräfe - Merino Gonzalez, Turanyi, Ostermeier, Simon - Wenger, Platner (Misini 69') - Bender (Fudalla 69'), Müller (Mädl 89') - Kramer (Loonen 89'), Sternad (Kehrer 69')

Eintracht Frankfurt: Altenburg - Krumbiegel, Ilestedt, Doorsoun (Ivelj 83'), Lührßen - Memeti, Bennison, Freigang (Tolhoek 83'), Acikgöz (Alguacil 69') - Mühlhaus (Raso 74'), Blomquist (Ostenstad 83')

Goals: 1-0 Merino Gonzalez (14'), 1-1 Freigang (64')

Yellow cards: Doorsoun

Referee: Karoline Wacker

Attendance: 1,136 at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion