Vázquez strike gives Leverkusen narrow win over Werder Bremen
| Lucas Vázquez for Bayer Leverkusen. | Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Getty Images. |
In a tight and tense Bundesliga clash, Leverkusen managed to overcome Werder Bremen, securing all three points thanks to a late first-half strike by Lucas Vázquez.
The match at BayArena began with Leverkusen looking quitetense, a side far from their usual fluent self. That has been the case for Leverkusen in the recent games as well, they are just quite nervous in the opening of a match.
In the 13th minute, however, Bayer's Badé delivered a wonderful cross to birthday boy Patrik Schick, who slotted the ball home - only for the goal to be ruled out for handball after a VAR review, keeping the score at 0‑0.
Chances were scarce, and Poku missed an excellent opportunity from less than five meters. Bremen themselves were unlucky not to earn a penalty after a possible foul by Maza on Grüll, but the referee let play continue, giving Leverkusen a stroke of fortune.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 38th minute when Lucas Vázquez opened his account for Leverkusen. Receiving the ball on the right flank, he combined in a neat one-two with Maza before finishing low into the far corner to give the hosts a 1‑0 lead.
Even after taking the lead, Leverkusen struggled to control the game, showing the nervousness that has plagued them in recent matches. Chances were limited, and when opportunities did arise, the team lacked precision in the final phase.
Bayer's luck today was that Bremen struggled even more to convert their few attacks, and the second half ended relatively quiet, allowing Leverkusen to hold on for a 1‑0 victory.
