Bayer Leverkusen continues to win through the Bundesliga. In the win at Werder Bremen, a performance without the usual elegance is enough.
It doesn’t always have to be a big splash: confidently, soberly and effectively, Bayer Leverkusen fulfilled their Bundesliga duty at Werder Bremen 3-0 (2-0) and regained the league lead from Bayern Munich after just one day.
An own goal from Bremen’s Olivier Deman (9th minute) after a cross from Jonas Hofmann and Jeremie Frimpong (43rd) with a powerful shot steered the Werkself to their eleventh win in the twelfth league game of the season on Saturday before the break. In the second half, Alejandro Grimaldo (76th) scored the final point.
However, after three games without defeat, Bremen suffered a not unexpected setback with a total of five points. They have to get the points to stay in the class against other teams. Despite a good performance, Werder was never able to stop the season’s high-flyers from Leverkusen.
Werder again with their own starting eleven
In front of 42,100 spectators in the sold-out Weserstadion, coach Ole Werner, who was recovering from a flu-like infection, sent the same starting line-up onto the field for the fourth time in a row. That also meant that Michael Zetterer was in goal again and thus won the duel against long-time regular goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka for the time being. The Czech returned from his adductor injury. But Zetterer had impressed as a substitute in the last four games. At Leverkusen, national player Jonathan Tah had to make room for DFB debutant Robert Andrich in central defense.
The guests let Bremen come in the first few minutes, but then took more and more control with their class. A goal by Victor Boniface (6th) was rightly whistled for offside. Otherwise, there were initially no great opportunities for Bayer. This time Deman’s own goal had to be enough to take the lead.
Werder concentrated on defense and tried to create offensive actions from time to time. But these fizzled out against Leverkusen’s strong defensive chain and due to a lack of consistency. The duo Rafael Borré and Marvin Ducksch were deregistered for a long time. Shortly before the change, one move was enough for the league leaders to increase thanks to Frimpong.
Even after the break, Leverkusen tried to maintain control. However, the gifted group continued to refrain from exuding their playful sparkle. Werder tried everything to keep up with the game and hold back. This worked for some time. The supposed goal by new national player Ducksch (62nd) was not recognized due to an offside position by passer Romano Schmid.
Bremen’s coach Werner increased the attack, bringing in Nick Woltemade and Justin Njinmah (72′). Four minutes later the plans were gone when Grimaldo made the decision. But Werder didn’t give up after that – and were unlucky: Njinmah (85th) only hit the crossbar.
Source: Stern
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