Bayer Leverkusen missed the hoped-for liberation on the 7th matchday of the Bundesliga. The Werkself only drew 1-1 at home against newly promoted Werder Bremen on Saturday (September 17, 2022).
The Champions League starter from Leverkusen only has a meager four points after seven league games and is still in a relegation zone. Promoted Bremen (9 points) remains unbeaten away from home.
Demirbay worth seeing, Veljkovic freezing
After a fast-paced but goalless first half, Kerem Demirbay (57′) gave Leverkusen the lead with a spectacular shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Milos Veljkovic scored the equalizer for the promoted team from Bremen – and used an unsuccessful defense by Bayer keeper Lukas Hradecky.
Four days after beating Atlético Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League, Bayer 04 failed to pull themselves out of the crisis in the league. Coach Gerardo Seoane, who now expects a restless international break, put Jeremie Frimpong, double assist against Atlético, back on from the start. Adam Hlozek took a seat on the bench for this.
Lars Bender honored as honorary captain
Before kick-off, ex-national player Lars Bender was presented with the honorary captain’s pennant by Bayer Sport Managing Director Simon Rolfes and club boss Fernando Carro, and the north curve thanked him with a “Thank you, Lars” choreography.
The game in front of 30,210 spectators in the BayArena, which was sold out for the first time this season, picked up speed. After 28 seconds, Bayer captain Hradecky was challenged against Marvin Ducksch’s first shot. Only a minute later, Patrik Schick chased his first chance from a good position into the side netting. Werder keeper Jiri Pavlenka saved the Czech international’s second shot (8′). On the other side, Ilia Gruev tested Hradecky again (9th).
As a result, Leverkusen had a little more share of the game because Werder let the hosts come close and deep and waited for a counterattack. An overhead kick by Piero Hincapie and a shot by Edmond Tapsoba in the middle of the first half didn’t pose a threat – but a powerful header from veteran Robert Andrich after a corner hit the crossbar (35′).
Leverkusen’s chance conversion remains a problem
As so often in the past, Leverkusen struggled with the exploitation of chances. After a shot by Moussa Diaby, which Pavlenka deflected forward, Frimpong missed free-standing. The negligent finishing behavior almost took its revenge before the break: Ducksch hit the side netting, Niclas Füllkrug waited too long against the rushing Hradecky – Pavlenka parried a turning shot by Diaby.
Hradecky presents Bremen’s compensation
After the break, Leverkusen was able to say thank you to Frimpong, who tipped the ball off the kicker’s foot at the last second. Demirbay did better with a beautiful flick after a great pass from Odilon Kossounou.
Werder didn’t give up and still had good chances. Leverkusen played inexplicably passively – and was punished in the closing stages: Hradecky made a strong save against Füllkrug’s header, but punched the ball right in front of Veljkovic’s feet when he tried to clear it, and Veljkovic equalized from close range.
Leverkusen were unlucky, Sardar Azmoun (88th) only hit the crossbar and missed the last chance to win.
Leverkusen has to go to Bayern
After the international break, Bayer 04 have to start match day 8 away from record champions Munich (Friday, 30/09/2022 at 8:30 p.m.). Werder Bremen welcomes Borussia Mönchengladbach a day later (6.30 p.m.).