victory in Rheinische Derby!
By: Ulf | April 5th, 2009After a disappointing start to the new year, Leverkusen rebounded with a 2-0 victory over Köln in the “Rheinische” Derby. The result sets the course for the remaining eight matches as Bayer 04 is only four points out of a spot for European competition.
With nearly 50,000 in attendance the stage was set for a bitter match. Bruno Labbadia, wary of the oppositions counter-attack habit utilized a more compact approach in a 4-1-3-2 with Manuel Friedrich and Lukas Sinkiewicz keeping an eye on their key attacker Milivoje Novakovič. Realistic chances were at minimum, the first coming quarter of the hour via Henrique strike from twenty-five metres but it was handled well by Köln ‘keeper Faryd Mondragón. While there were a few prospective efforts, much of the action through the break was within the midfield.
Three minutes past the hour, Bruno Labbadia made a double substitution that changed the match. Calling on Toni Kroos and Renato Augusto for Tranquillo Barnetta and Arturo Vidal, Köln was stopped dead in their tracks. Three minutes later Simon Rolfes passed the ball off to Stefan Kießling, who sent the ball behind Mondragón for the 1-0 lead from seven metres. Ten minutes later Leverkusen had its insurance goal as Patrick Helmes connected from the spot after Stefan Kießling was brought down by Pedro Geromel in the area. Following the goal, Köln was unable to find a way back into the match and it ended with an important 2-0 victory for Leverkusen.
Category: Bayer Leverkusen Team News
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