Lacking flair, but full of swagger: Leverkusen leaves Bremen victorious
Not every victory needs to be a show-stopper: Bayer Leverkusen fulfilled their Bundesliga duties at Werder Bremen with confidence, sobriety, and effectiveness, securing a 3-0 (2-0) win and retaking the league lead from Bayern Munich on Saturday.
An own goal from Bremen's Olivier Deman (9th minute) and Jeremie Frimpong's powerful shot (43rd minute) put Leverkusen ahead before the break. Alejandro Grimaldo (76) added the final goal in the second half.
Despite showing determination, Bremen suffered a setback. After three games without defeat and a total of five points, they will need to collect points from other opponents to remain in the league. Despite a commendable effort, Werder was unable to halt Leverkusen's strong form.
The Same Familiar Face
In the sold-out Weserstadion, coach Ole Werner (recovering from a flu) introduced the same starting eleven for the fourth game in a row. This meant Michael Zetterer remains the preferred goalkeeper over long-term incumbent Jiri Pavlenka for the time being.
Leverkusen, however, made one change, allowing international Jonathan Tah to take a break, and DFB debutant Robert Andrich stepped into central defense.
Bremen invaded Leverkusen's territory at the beginning of the game, but the Werkself gradually took control with their classy play. Victor Boniface's goal (6') was disallowed due to offside.
Bremen chose defense as their strategy, occasionally attempting to initiate attacks. However, Leverkusen's strong defense, combined with inconsistency, disrupted Werder's efforts. Borré and Ducksch were barely involved in the game before the halftime interval.
Leverkusen's Dominance
The second half began with the Werkself attempting to maintain their dominance. Despite not showcasing their signature playful brilliance, Leverkusen managed to control the game.
In the 62nd minute, Ducksch's potential follow-up goal was disallowed due to an offside position from pass provider Romano Schmid.
Approaching the final stages, Werner launched an attack, bringing on Nick Woltemade and Justin Njinmah (72'). However, it didn't take long for the momentum to shift once again when Grimaldo scored the last goal (76').
Bremen did not abandon their effort, managing to hit the crossbar with Njinmah (85).
Leverkusen's triumph over Werder Bremen reaffirmed their position at the top, with Frimpong scoring an awe-inspiring shot in the first half and Grimaldo capitalizing on the opportunity to add another in the second. Despite their strong defensive game, Leverkusen struggled to contain Borré and Ducksch in the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen dominated the game with their classy play, holding back an attacking Werder Bremen formidably. However, Rafael Borré and Marvin Ducksch, despite their physical presence in the attack, found it challenging to have a significant impact against the strong defensive line of Leverkusen.
Enrichment Data:
Although Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 3-0 victory over Werder Bremen, it was, in fact, Bayern Munich that bested Bremen a day earlier with a score of 3-0. Here are the main factors contributing to Bayern's impressive win:
- Harry Kane's Performace: Scored two penalties (56th and stoppage time) in a crucial role, maintaining an impeccable conversion rate under pressure.
- Dominance and Pressure: Bayern Munich's commanding possession enabled them to create several clear-cut chances, eventually breaking Bremen's defense.
- Leroy Sané's Goal: Sané's 82nd-minute goal extended the advantage, further demoralizing Bremen.
- Team Effort and Tactical Adjustments: Thomas Tuchel's strategy change and introduction of key players, like Sané, excelled in overcoming Bremen's defenses.
- Werder Bremen's Struggles: Injuries and suspensions, such as coach Ole Werner and key players Niklas Stark and Marco Friedl, as well as the inability to maintain their discipline against Bayern's attacks, hindered Bremen's chances of victory.
In conclusion, Bayern Munich's resolute victory was largely due to Harry Kane's exceptional penalty conversions, high possession rate, and tactical adjustments. Werder Bremen's absence of key players and discipline contributed to their undoing in this battle of the Bundesliga.
