Defensively desolate, offensively wasteful: Bayer Leverkusen has to bury its cup dreams after the first round.
Coach Gerardo Seoane’s team lost the goal spectacle 3: 4 (2: 3) at the rebellious third division promoted SV Elversberg and failed at the opening hurdle for the first time in eleven years. The wait for the second triumph in the DFB Cup continues even after 30 years.
Jannik Rochelt (2′), Kevin Koffi (17′, penalty kick), Luca Schnellbacher (37′) and Kevin Conrad (74′) sealed the eighth first-round knockout for the Werkself. The goals from Adam Hlozek (5th), Charles Aranguiz (30th) and Patrik Schick (89th) were not enough, a huge improvement is needed for the league opener against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. The Saarlanders, for their part, advanced to the second round for the fifth time.
Brave outsider
The Bayer fans actually gave their team a clear mission. “Do it again, get the trophy,” read a huge banner.
In order to advance to the second round, the 1993 cup winner had to show “clear determination and aggressiveness”, Seoane demanded. For this he sent top newcomer Adam Hlozek onto the field from the start – and he was there right away.
With his first action, the Czech scored with a flutter ball from 20 meters, goalkeeper Nicolas Kristof helped enormously to equalize. Previously, Rochelt had completed a perfect solo run into the far corner after just 118 minutes. A lively game developed with chances for both sides, because the Saarland Cup winner acted extremely courageously.
Open exchange of blows
Rochelt in particular caused Bayer problems, Aranguiz could only stop him in the penalty area with a foul. Koffi loaded Lukas Hradecky ice cold.
On the defensive, SVE was a bit overwhelmed by the pace of Leverkusen, after three missed opportunities by Patrik Schick (11th/19th/23rd) Aranguiz scored from five meters. But Schnellbacher responded after a perfect cross pass from Koffi.
Leverkusen didn’t appear more stable in front of 7414 spectators even after a double change at the break, it was an open exchange of blows. The Saarlanders seemed even more dangerous. Schnellbacher (49′) and Robin Fellhauer (51′) missed great chances before Conrad scored from a corner. Schick’s connection goal was not enough.