The reality is jarring. Tayfun Korkut’s team are three clear of the relegation play-off spot and two clear of Wolfsburg, who they held to a thrilling 3-3 drawOn a weekend in which 35 goals were scored in the Bundesliga, the BayArena always seemed likely to chip in generously. Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg fixtures, especially on this ground, produce goals, with the most notable occasion having been two years back, when the visitors let 3-0 and 4-2 leads slip before Bas Dost won the game at the death with his fourth goal of the afternoon.The difference then was that both teams were riding the crests of relative waves, finishing the campaign in fourth and second positions in the table respectively. Already,...
The whole Schmidt ride at Bayer Leverkusen has been a rollercoaster of soaring peaks and alarming troughs. Alas, the dips had become the normIt ended on a Tuesday night, 21 February. The looks that the Bayer Leverkusen players exchanged on the turf at the final whistle – at least, of those that could bear to make eye contact – after a spirited but vain second-half rally against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, spelled it loud and clear. It was all over; not only for Leverkusen in Europe but for their coach Roger Schmidt’s tenure.The official end came in a club statement on Sunday morning, backsides still red raw from a 6-2 spanking at Borussia Dortmund. The CEO, Michael Schade,...
Real Madrid ought to have too much for Napoli, but there are tough challenges ahead for Arsenal, Leicester and Paris Saint-Germain Related: Champions League final: Ronaldo ‘had feeling’ he would score winner Related: Arsenal better set for deep run in Champions League, says Arsène Wenger Related: Juventus 1-3 Barcelona | Champions League final match report Continue reading...
After Miroslav Klose’s retirement, Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League tie with Tottenham showcases another with rare talents of movement and anticipationThere are many things in football that are incredibly beautiful. Lionel Messi at full flow. A Dimitri Payet free-kick. Or, indeed, a simple toe poke, such as Ronaldinho’s against Chelsea back in 2005.The list is long. We can marvel at warm-ups (Diego Maradona with Opus in the background is a classic ), crossfield passes or even sliding tackles. Not to mention nutmegs. Wonderful things. Continue reading...
The Spurs forward scored important goals and brought commercial clout to the Bundesliga side, but the manner of his exit may mean he is not treated as a homecoming heroSon Heung-min is remembered at Bayer Leverkusen as an authentic global star; a player who scored important goals and fired Champions League qualifications and one who brought additional clout on the commercial front. Unfortunately for Son, who returns to his former club with Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday night, the manner of his departure remains fresh in the memory, too.Son began last season as a Leverkusen player, having started in the Bundesliga opener at home to Hoffenheim and the first leg of the Champions League play off away...