Test matches during the winter break: Leverkusen starts with their first test match win

Double winner Bayer Leverkusen started 2025 with an easy friendly win against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. Bochum gained self-confidence against Wuppertaler SV with a goal festival, Union Berlin lost the first test under new coach Steffen Baumgart.

The reigning German champions achieved a 2-0 win against regional league team Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in the first test match of the year on Sunday (January 5, 2025). The Werkself missed numerous good opportunities, but in the end goals from national player Florian Wirtz and Patrik Schick ensured success.

After Nathan Tella (15th) and Artem Stepanow (31st) failed at the aluminum in the first half, Wirtz (47th), who came on as a substitute at half-time, gave the Werkself the lead with a hand penalty. Schick scored the final score with a header after a corner (57′).

Opening cracker between Leverkusen and BVB

Five days before the opening clash in the Bundesliga at Borussia Dortmund on Friday evening (8.30 p.m.), coach Xabi Alonso gave his key players a half-time match practice each. Goalscorer Victor Boniface has not yet appeared on the pitch; according to the club, the Nigerian’s return from a thigh injury has been delayed due to a “setback in the rehabilitation phase”.

Bundesliga bottom team VfL Bochum also celebrated their first friendly win during the winter break. The Bochum team defeated regional league team Wuppertaler SV 6-2, with Samuel Bamba scoring twice.

Borussia Mönchengladbach drew 2-2 against NEC Nijmegen. Tomas Cvancara (from the penalty spot) and Alassane Pléa scored the goals for Borussia.

Defeat for Union at Baumgart premiere

Steffen Baumgart suffered a defeat in his debut as head coach at 1. FC Union Berlin. In a test match lasting four times for 30 minutes, the Köpenick team lost 1:2 against Holstein Kiel. The goals for Kiel were scored by Armin Gigovic (34th minute) and Fiete Arp (114th). Yorbe Vertessen managed to equalize for Union (97th).