Leverkusen is also continuing its upward trend in the Bundesliga. On the 24th matchday Bayer landed a 3:2 (1:1) victory at Werder Bremen.
The goals for the third competitive win in a row after the successes against Hertha BSC and Ferencvaros Budapest were scored on Sunday (12.03.2023) in the Weserstadion by Mitchel Bakker (34th), Jeremie Frimpong (56th) and Adam Hlozek (83rd). Marvin Duksch (30th) initially gave the hosts the lead. Niclas Füllkrug reduced the deficit to 2:3 with his 15th goal of the season from the penalty spot (86th).
In the hope of qualifying for the European Cup via the Bundesliga, Leverkusen with 34 points in ninth place has their sights set on sixth-placed Frankfurt (40). Bremen (30), who have lost four of their last five games, are eleventh. The distance to the relegation place, which is interesting for the climber, is still plenty with ten points.
Stunning goals from Duksch and Bakker
After Leverkusen had the better approaches in the early stages thanks to their speed advantages on the flanks, dangerous actions then came from Bremen. On his first attempt, Ducksch escaped in the center and just missed his shot from 18 meters (28′).
Shortly thereafter, however, Werder’s striker aimed more precisely: on submission by Füllkrug, he chased the ball into the goal from the inside right just under the crossbar to make it 1-0. However, Leverkusen’s response was not long in coming. After winning the ball, Leverkusen played forward on the right. With a bit of luck, Jeremie Frimpong found Bakker on the half-left side of the penalty area and he hit just as powerfully as Duksch on the Bremen side to make it 1-1.
Overall little danger in front of the gate
But that was it for excitement in round one. Because both teams were often not precise enough in the last third, real chances were also scarce, the two goals the only shots for both teams on goal.
In the second half it was initially similar. Leverkusen tried to play off their speed. Bremen was looking for its two well-coordinated strikers. With Leverkusen’s opening goal, however, there was more momentum in the game overall. After a counterattack, Frimpong Werder defender Niklas Stark shot and the ball spun past Jiri Pavlenka, who was lying on the ground, to make it 2-1 into the left corner.
Angry Werder attacks unsuccessful
Bremen responded with force and speed. Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky had to save several times, for example from a shot by Füllkrug from the pentagon (65th). However, Leverkusen held out and increased to 3:1 with a header from Hlozek. Füllkrug brought the ball back with a hand penalty that was easily converted – but Leverkusen held on to the three points in an intense final phase.
Before the league continues, Leverkusen is required to play away in Bundapest at Ferencvaros in the Europa League round of 16 (Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 9:00 p.m.). The Werkself then host FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga (Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.). Bremen is required two days before in Gladbach (8.30 p.m.).