Without injured striker Cornelia Kramer, Pätzold kept faith with the team that beat Union Berlin 3-2 on Monday. Caroline Kehrer was in the squad for the first time since suffering a meniscus tear at the end of April, while Loreen Bender, who'd been absent so far this term with a knock, also returned to the bench.
After just three minutes, Vanessa Fudalla registered the first attempt on goal at the Max-Morlock-Stadion, but her long-range effort didn't give FCN goalkeeper Larissa Rusek any problems. The visitors took control of the game with high pressing and Fudalla also had the second opportunity, but this time she curled the ball just wide of the target from the edge of the box.
Although Leverkusen had significantly more possession and shots on goal, they didn't fashion any clear-cut chances before the break, with Nürnberg defending alertly and getting forward with more bravery themselves as the game went on. Shortly before the half-time whistle, centre-back Claudia Wenger made a last-ditch intervention to stop Nastassja Lein shooting. At the other end, Fudalla was again denied by Rusek with a shot on the turn, meaning the teams went in goalless.
Bayer 04 Women started the second period with more attacking intent than at the end of the first half, but didn't threaten until around the hour mark, when Fudalla got on the end of Estrella Merino Gonzalez's cross. But once again, Rusek came out on top in the individual battle with a strong reflex save from close range. Five minutes later, Ruby Grant fired over from distance.
The Werkself were now increasingly camped in the hosts' half but the ball still didn't want to go in. Pätzold brought on Bender and Julia Mickenhagen for the final 20 minutes, both making their first appearances of the season, in place of birthday girl Kristin Kögel (26) and Merino Gonzalez. His team continnued to endeavour to capitalise on their dominance, but FCN were also looking to snatch a goal. Goalkeeper Friederike Repohl raised her hands at the right time to fend off a shot from Lein after a corner.
Moments later, Kehrer also made her comeback after several months out, replacing Grant. Fudalla continued to have no luck, while Wenger's finish from the resulting corner was also not far away. The visitors kept pushing for the deserved winner until the end - and were finally rewarded. Fudalla's corner from the right was nodded in by Bender, sparking wild celebrations among everyone in white. The Werkself saw out the win in the remaining minutes.
It's a busy week ahead for Pätzold's side, starting with a midweek fixture on Thursday. The Leverkusen ladies host Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion at 19:00 CEST. Three days later, on Sunday 28 September, they face Regionalliga outfit SV 07 Elversberg in the DFB Cup first round.
Match stats:
1. FC Nürnberg: Rusek - Lein, Fördös, Wos, Pollak (Senelius 88') - Homann, Guttenberger, Licina (Mai 68'), Gambone (Günster 81') - Miller (Thöle 88'), Polaskova (Baumgärtel 81')
Bayer 04: Repohl - Merino Gonzalez (Mickenhagen 71'), Wenger, Turanyi, Wamser - Zdebel, Piljic (Friedrich 90'+4) - Grant (Kehrer 78'), Kögel (Bender 71') - Mädl, Fudalla
Goals: 0-1 Bender (90'+3)
Yellow cards: - / Grant
Referee: Selina Menzel (Stutensee)
Attendance: 1,735 at the Max-Morlock-Stadion
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