Manager Mode - Bayer Leverkusen

[Muzzy]

Another Manager Mode thread! How lovely. But this one is serious, that you can understand, and will last for a bit. Hope fully you'll like it. After a while of deciding, I chose Bayer Leverkusen. Most of you wanted me to use a low end Premiership team, which is about four stars. but I've won the EPL three times, and Leverkusen have the same rating. The team I start with is below, but expect it to expand pretty rapidly.

Club Information:

Club: 04 Bayer Leverkusen
Stadium: Bay Arena, 22,500 capacity.
Rivals: lalalaoln
Nicknames: Werkself
Chairman: Wolfgang Holzhauser
Manager: Ben Musgrove (Me!)



Squad:

Player Name - Position - Age - Rating - Nationality

Goalkeepers:

Adler - GK - 22 - 78 - German
Fernandez - GK - 22 - 60 - German
Domaschke - GK - 22 - 58 - German

Defenders:

Castro - RB - 20 - 75 - German
Friedrich - CB - 27 - 78 - German
Haggui - CB - 23 - 69 - Tunisian
Callsen-Bracker - CB - 22 - 68 - German
Sinkewicz - CB - 21 - 74 - German
Vidal - LB - 20 - 67 - Chilean

Midfielders:

Ramelow - CDM - 33 - 77 - German
Groko - CDM - 30 - 73 - Slovakian
Sarpei - CDM - 21 - 72 - Ghanian
Rofles - CDM - 25 - 77 - German
Schwegler - CDM - 20 - 66 - Swiss
Faty - CDM - 21 - 60 - French
Schneider - RM - 33 - 86 - German
Dum - LM - 21 - 66 - German

Strikers:

Frier - RW - 28 - 77 - German
Barbarez - ST - 31 - 75 - Bosnian
Kiebling - ST - 23 - 75 - German
Bulykin - ST - 27 - 69 - Russian
Gekas - ST - 27 - 80 - Greek
Papodopolous - ST - 22 - 66 - Czech
Kurdou - ST - 18 - 66 - Bulgarian
Schmidt - ST - 19 - 53 - German
Sukutu-Pasu - ST - 17 - 61 - German
Barnetta - LW - 22 - 78 - Swiss

My Squad View:
Way, way too many strikers. But I want more, oddly enough. Only three central strikers over seventy is embarrasing. I'm gonna bring in one or two quality ones, and oust maybe 50% of the rest. I'm not going for a 'youth buying' mentality this time around, I'm getting whoever fits the bill regardless of age. It'll be interesting to see how Schnider is, he's got by far the best rating of the squad. The defense certainly needs boosting, and goalkeeping cover is awful. So, stuff to achieve.

Game Information:

Difficulty - Professional
Half Length - 5 minutes
Ball - Nike Air Pro II

Press Conference - 02/08/07

Today one of the biggest names in German football introduced a new man at the helm, as Bayer Leverkusen introduced Ben Musgrove as their new manager. Plucked from relative obscurity in the lower reaches of the French league, the decision has Werkself faithfull worried by the choice of manager so unproved. Publicly introduced in todays press conference, we were able to take in the views of the new head coach as he prepared for his sides season opener against Karlsruher SC, who were recently promoted from
2. Bundesliga along with MSV Duisburg and Hansa Rostock:

Firstly, how do you see this move to Leverkusen personally?

-"I think of it as a wonderful challenge to be set such big targets, surrounded by such top quality players. Certainly some will be unsatisfied with me being selected, as managers with more, perhaps, prestige were avalible. However, you ask them in January if they are happy with me. With the talent on array at this club, I am doubtless we can be pushing for top spot all season."

Will you be bringing in players, and if so what are you looking for?

-"New players are high on my agenda, I believe that with the right players borught in this squad will be more complete. I have players in mind that would slot neatly into the system, and will perfrom wonderfully in our team. Do not be suprised when big names are linked to this club"

Do you target honours this season, considering that Leverkusen have not won a cup since 1993?

-"Yes, definately. I feel we can push for every honour avalible, and next year take our offensive for silverware even further, on the european stage"

Finally, how long do you see yourself staying at Leverkusen?

-"For the foreseeable future. I see no reason to leave that could occur for at least the next year."

[Muzzy]

Leverkusen Snap Up Croatian Hitman Petric

In Mr Musgroves first signing of the transfer window, he has pulled off a wonderful scoop by bringing in the Croatian international Mladen Petric from rivals Borussia Dortmund, in a deal believed to be worth around £4 million. The move is much similar to that of Dietmarr Hamann, who chose another move before playing for his club. Petric was signed by Dortmund from FC Basel in June, but the club have succumbed to an offer from Leverkusen before the Croatian even played a competetive game. We spoke to Mr Musgrove at Petrics introductionto the club:

What do you think of this signing for the club?
-"Mladen is a quality player, an asset to the club. he is so versatile and is just what the club needs at this moment in time. I have no doubt that he will perform for Leverkusen this season."

Will Petric play a big role this season?
-"Certainly. he is a big player, and big players have big ambition. This move will be a challenge forhim, which I am sure he is able to overcome."

[Muzzy]

Turkish Trouble Unveiled At Bay Arena

Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, as well as the Serbian Mateja Kezman, have been recruited by Bayer Leverkusen for the believed sum of around £6 million combined from Fenerbache. Introduced to the press at the Bay Arena today, they add to the extensive array of talent at Leverkusen which appears to be notching up at an astouding rate. Both are believed to be slotting straight into the starting eleven at the Bay Arena, and Werkself faithfull are looking at a promising transfer window if signings like these are continued. We managed to catch up with Mr Musgrove at the press conference held for the players:

Another two high profile signings for Leverkusen, what does that say about your negotiation skills?

-"I think it says a lot about the stature of the club, and that ambitious players who want to do well come here. Players of such quality can only improve us as a team, and I think they bring something special to the squad."

Are there any more signings on the agenda?

-"Ah, suprises suprises..."

[Muzzy]

How Many More?

Another high profile signing has found its way to Germany, with Argentina superstar Andres D'Alessandro deciding against interest from clubs such as Real Zaragoza, Athletico Madrid and Benfica to join Bayer Leverkusen on a three year deal believed to have cost the club around £8 million. After a wonderful sshowing for english side Portsmouth on loan last season, D'Alessandro attracted intrest from many clubs in Europe, but has described Leverkusen as 'the most promising offer' We were able to take in Mr Musgroves view on the transfer:

What does Andres add to the squad?

-"He certainly proved his worth to be a big part of any team last season with consistent top quality performances, and I'm delighted that he has been reeled in. Some may be worried at the money spent, but it is a really good investment and one that I am sure will pay off over the coming seasons."

Surely Leverkusen are done with transfers now, after so many top players brought in?"

If we see a player that will fit in to the club and do what jobs we require, we will try and bring him in. Don't be expectant, however."

[Muzzy]

Leverkusen Make Bid For Gourcuff

A bid has been made by Bayer Leverkusen for Milan and France starlet Yoann Gourcuff, who has become unsettled with the Italian side. A bid believed to be around £500,000 has been made, but Leverkusen will have to fend off intrest from Arsenal, Lens and PSG, who are all keeping tabs upon the young midfielder. Gourcuff is looking for a move, as he has made only ten appearences for Milan, scoring once, and has become dissatisfied with his involvement with the team, and will be looking for a move where he is able to play first team football.

[Mariners!!!!!!]

making alot of transhers early, thats what i like to do. ur getting sum good players. u may want to change the link in ur sig

[Muzzy]

Leverkusen Score Three On Season Opener

Marcus Miller (above) will be shocked by his teams opening performance, as the much changed Bayer Leverkusen side came to the Wildparkstadion and struck three past the newly promoted Karlsruher. Debutants D'Alessandro, Petric and Kezman were on the scoresheet, and this match was more than promising to the away side.

Leverkusen took the lead just twelve minutes in, and the goal had the flair to cut open any side. Schnieder took the ball on the right, popping it to D'Alessandro. The Argentine beat his man and dummied a run before knocking back a ball through to Petric, who controlled and struck the ball effortlessly past Miller into the top right hand corner.

And just ten minutes later, it was two. This time the assist from Petric, who flighted a pass over the defense for D'Alessandro to run onto. As the ball bounced upwards he struck it down towards the far corner, where it trickled in off the post. A stunned Karlsruher were shellshocked.

It should have been three moments later, with a looping header from Petric that Miller somehow managed to pluck from the air, and Karlsruher began to find their feet. Their bestr oppurtunity came just before half time, when a free kick from Eggiman found Timm who nodded goalward, but just couldn't keep the header down. Half time came, and no changes were made by either team.

The second half saw little change, with Leverkusen playing a solid passing game and pressing the ball whenever it got away from them. However, there were little chances. Wily runs from Petric and Kezman kept the defense on its toes, but nothing got through. Schneider had a long range effort just wide, and D'Alessandro kept Miller wary of his position. The third goal was really what Leverkusen deserved, however, and it came in the ninteyeth minute. A corner from Schneider found Kezman at the near post, who tapped the ball against the bar with his head as it went in.

A promising start for Leverkusen, showing a relatively new side to the Bundesliga the quality it requires to stay up.

[DannyB]

Keep It Going The Good Form And The Thread

[Muzzy]

Talent Comes & Goes, But Gourcuff Not Budging

In a move almost unnoticed by German press, Bayer Leverkusen have recruited U19 Brazilian international Thiago Heleno into their ranks from Brazilian team Cruziero. Described as 'a solid hope for the future' by Brazilian coach Dunga, Heleno is a real prospect that will hopefully develop well in Germany. However, Milan starlet Yoann Gourcuff has been denied access to negotiations with Bayer, calling the transfer fee 'unacceptable'. Milan have indicated they will require a bid of around £650,000 to shift Gourcuff.

In other news, Dmitri Bulykin, Atans Kurdov and Schmidt have all left the Bay Arena. Bulykin has left to Hannover 96, for around £340,000, Kurdov to Hamburg SV for around £175,000, ad Schmidt to Hannover 96 for around £125,000.

Finally, an offer of around £550,000 has been made to Mexican side Pachuca for the services of Miguel Calero, believed to be suitable cover from Rene Adler by the Leverkusen board.

[Muzzy]

Leverkusen Sink To 1-0 Defeat

Expectant Leverkusen fans were bitterly dissapointed by their teams performance as the Werkself were dispatched by an impressive Schalke side at home. The Bay Arena was dominated by blue fans in the far corner, who cheered on their team and at points totally overshadowed the home supporters. Although the game saw few chances, those that arose were excellent goal oppurtunities

The first shot of the game was nearly a goal. Fabien Ernst with a lightning run down the right wing, recieved the ball from Lovenkrands and fired a low near post effort that had Adler scrambling to get down to it. And then, right before half time, Leverkusen had a golden oppurtunity to take the lead.

D'Alessandro took apart Ernst, played a one two with Kezman and found himself through on goal. Firing a shot at the far corner, he was dismayed when somehow Neuer got a hand to it to tip it over the bar. Never again would Leverkusen had a chance as good as this.

They were made to pay only seven minutes into the second half. Gerald Asamoah using quick feet to keep the ball, and then floated a cross in for Kuryani to head (above). Adler got a hand to it, but could only palm the ball into the net. 1-0 Schalke, and the home fans were silenced.

Minor efforts from both sides played out the game, with a header at the near post flashing wide and Kuryani knocking another header just over, before the final whistle blew. A dissapointment for Leverkusen, who had such high expectations with new players and coaching staff being recruited almost at a daily rate.

[Muzzy]

Miguel Furious Over Transfer Negotiation

Ex Columbain international Miguel Calero has blasted his club Pacheca over denying him the oppurtunity to move to Leverkusen, as the Mexican club rejected the £600,000 bid. The thirty five year old contacted the press, explaining his feelings on the situation:

Why are you so angry at your club regarding this deal?

-"Because I am being denied an oppurtunity that would help my career for a few thousand pounds. It is greedy, it is unfair and I am extremely annoyed with the financial reasoing behind it."

Is it possible to still join Leverkusen?

-"Hopefully they will increase their offer, but this may be pushing it. I hope they will sign me, and that they will ignore the greed of our financial situation and how we are going about it."

[Dan]

Good work so far...

Keep it up..

[Muzzy]

Gourcuff: Finally!

After almost two weeks of negotiation, Gourcuff has finally made the move to the Bay Arena. Leverkusen have been chasing the French U21 international since early August, and a fee of around £700,000 has been decided between the club and AC Milan. We caught up with Gourcuff and noted his views:

How does it feel for all the negotiations to be over?

-"It's a lot of weight off my back. As soon as I heard of intrest I wanted to move here, and now I can finally call myself a Leverkusen player it is a great feeling."

Rumors are circulating talking of much first team involvement this year, what do you make of them?

-"I hope they're true. Of course I want to play regularly, as footballers do, but I know I have to push myself to show the club what I can do."

[Muzzy]

Unleashed Werkself Stick Four Past Stuttgart

A fiery and passionate Leverkusen side overcame last weeks win with a four one demolition of Vfb Stuttgart. With a blinder from Mateja Kezman and a hat trick for Petric, the future is once again looking rosy for the Werkself.

The first effort of the game with the goal, on twenty three minutes. From a corner, oil-slick one touch passing found Petric on the breakaway. The Croatian held off the challenges and broke clear, soaring at the keeper. but as he reached mid stride he slid forward, knocking the ball past the unexpecting Raphael Schafer and into the far corner.

And Stuttgart, being honest had a reply. A driven Basturk effort flashed wide, and Cacau found the ball at the far post, from a wonderful early ball from Hitzelsperger, but tapped his effort against the prone Adler. They were unlucky to go in just one nil down at half time, although chances fell for Gourcuff, whos header down was straight at Schafer, and D'Alessandro, who blasted an eighteen yard effort wide.

And then the second half. ten minutes in, Stuttgart had an equaliser, and what an equaliser it was. A tricky run from Hilbert was abruptly ended by Gourcuff, and Basturk lined up the free kick. From thrity yards, it found its way over the leaping wall, and into the top corner past the despairing hands of Adler. A shame, then, that in two minutes it was cancelled out.

Straight from the kick off, Kezman wasn't in the mood to play games. Taking the ball away from Hilbert and Cacau, embarrasing Hitzelsperger and then beating Del piere with a neat flick, he found himself in a crossing position on the left wing. Feinting left and switching the ball onto his right foot, he produced a sublime cross, which Petric threw himself at. The diving header hit the post and rolled into the net, sending the home fans crazy.

And then the third. A stunning, wonderful peach of a third. Petric knocking down a long ball onto Kezmans feet. The Serbian flicked the ball up and lofted a half volley to end all half volleys away from Schuster, and the ball buried itself into the top corner. An absolute cracker.

The fourth goal took luck, and that's exactly what heppened. Schneider on the right, crossing for Kezman. the ball took a wicked deflection off Fernando Meira, foxing both kezman and Schuster, who was caught well off his goal line. Spinning like crazy, the cross found Petric literally on the goal line to chest across.

A performance of, bluntly, champions. Not many games will show the quality that we glimpsed today, although we'll all be hoping for a match like this for some time.

[Muzzy]

Bayer Overcome Dirty Arminia

Leverkusen did themselves a great service today at the Schuco Arena, coming from one nil down to defeat Arminia Biefield two one. It was, at times, a disgusting game, but at others the moves were like clockwork.

It was an awful start for Bayer, when just two minutes in an awful sliding challenge from behind on Kezman left the Serbain unable to contiue. Leverkusen players surrounded the referee, who waved away shouts for a card. Kezman was replaced by Gekas, making his first appearance for the club this season.

Leverkusen settled down despite the loss of Kezman, and began to set to work pounding the defence. Gekas was full of life, and runs between he and PEtric really troubled the back four of Arminia. Shots from Gourcuff, D'Alessandro and Schneider from long range were saved comfortably, and Barnetta was kicking himself when the ball reached him at the far post but he managed to fire well over. And then things got worse.

A cross from the right wing found its way to Zuma at the far post, who nodded his header against the bar. The ball flew out, hit the thigh of Castro and rolled over the line. One nil, and Castro could only hold his head in his hands.

The second half started differently to the first. leverkusen, presumably revamped by the half time team talk, came out all guns blazing, and got their breakthrough only five minutes in. D'Alessandro spying Petric, who scampered through and knocked the ball past the onrushing keeper to level the tie at one all.

Ten minutes of solid pressure later, Petric found the ball at the edge of the box. Lining up a shot, he was cynically scythed down by Zuma, but the referee played on. Jeers from the away fans turned into screams of delight when villain Castro made up for his early mistake tenfold, by striking the ball into the top corner from twenty yards. A real beauty, and the look on his face described the feeling going through the team.

Arminia may have tried to get back into the game. If they could have got hold of the ball. Leverkusen settled into a rhythmic pass and move game that left their German counterparts standing in another quality. A gritty and heartfelty performance from Bayer, who will want to continue on to more wins in their next few games.

[Muzzy]

Wolfsburg Drubbed By Rampant Bayer

A blinding performance fro Leverkusen took them one step closer to top spot as they dispatched Wolfsburg easily at the Bay Arena, sticking four past the Wolves in a dominant display of fire and goals.

The first came just five minutes in, with Mateja Kezman returning from a dislocated finger to knock the ball against the bar. With the keeper beaten, barnetta whacked in the rebound for a quick one nil. The coaching staff were visually delighted, springing from the dugout to celebrate on the touchline, bouncing like the fans.

Wolfsburg seemingly made no effort to get back in the game; they changed nothing. In any case, they got too little of the ball to be a real threat, as Leverkusen used their slick passing and moving to build chances out of seemingly nothing, and shots from D'Alessandro and Petric were well saved by Jentzsch. One nil at half time, the least that Leverkusen deserved.

Second half, changed nothing between the two sides. ayer took control of the game again, and Petric was able to grab a second for the Werkself. A corner from Schneider deflected outwards, and Friedrich collected on the edge of the box. Shaping to shoot, he knocked a sneaky pass to petric, who spun on the ball and sent it flying into the net.

A third goal from Kezman, skipping past Ricardo Costa and firing one just beyond the reach of the keeper, really sealed the tie. Poor defending gifted D'Alessandro the fourth, by which time Bayer were in cruise control, taking the ball as they pleased. Wolfsburg, suprisingly, pulled one back, when a throw from Adler only found Dejagah who struck low, but even then the Wolves didn't really celebrate. The final whistle was what was best for both sides, and when it came the Bayer players were treated to a standing ovation by the home crowd. the away supporters, clad in green and white, skulked off down the tunnels.

[Muzzy]

Embarrasing Energie As Bayer Net Six

Four is nothing.

Leverkusen arrived at Stadion Defreundschaft hoping for three points. They got those points, but they weren't expecting the result. In an energetic, fluent, and dazzling performance, Bayer managed to stick six past a woeful Gerhard Tremmel in what is the biggest result in the Bundesliga for the past three seasons.

The first goal came only a few minutes in, and was one that is trademark of Leverkusen goals this season. A whipped cross by barnetta controlled by D'Alessandro, who swivelled and stuck the ball low past the keeper.

Six minutes later, another goal, this time from Petric. Weaving through teh Cottbus defense, he faked the shot one way and slotted with his weak foot past the despairing Tremmel for two nil.

The third came just before half time, on thrity eight minutes, and was one to remember. Petric, D'Alessandro, Petric, Kezman, Petric, Kezman, goal. All of which were passes from about five yards away, knocking the ball through the Cottbus side like it were a game of Connect Four. It must have been a relief for the home side when half time came.

Or not. Just eight minutes in, the fourth goal was there. Gourcuff dispossesing Ervin Skela just outside the leverkusen box, and carrying the ball forward. Beating Angelov with pace, the Rivic with a quick turn, the Frenchman bustled through the final line and slotted the ball past Tremmel for his first goal for the Werkself. Computer analasys showed that the twenty one year old ram seventy eight yards before putting the ball away.

And then Leverkusen decided it was enoguh. Shot still rained down on the Cottbus end like hellfire, but they were long range; hopefull; yet still dangerous. A flashing Petric volley flew inches over, and a Schneider effort was parried past the post. The fifth goal, on eighty seven minutes, seemed almost casual to observers. Rising from a Schneider corner was Petric, to slot home his second of the game wtih a looping header over Tremmel.

And then the sixth. An unlikely scorer. Breaking through again, Gourcuff was roughly shoved off the ball by Angelov, and the referee pointed to the spot. A tad harsh, seeing Energies predicament. Petric stepped up, but stopped and shouted back to his team. Up stepped Thiago Heleno to take the penalty. After a brief discussion with Mladen, the Brazilian took his run up and sent Tremmel the wrong way, slotting neatly into the bottom corner to break his duck for the club.

Leverkusen were by far the best they had been all season, with a dominating and convincing performance that will leave other sides nervous. They have now scored fifteen in just four, and will be hoping for more of a challenge come their next game.

[Muzzy]

Bremen Confortably Dispatched By Bayer

One of the most decieving scorelines this season, two nil would tell you all the wrong things about this game. In a match that mustered just eight shots, people may think it was boring. But with seven on target, views change. This was a game of thinking, precision football, and one that was enjoyed by spectators.

The first half as a tight affair. Not many efforts by either side, the best of which fell to D'Alessandro, whos long range scorcher stung the gloves of Wiese in the Bremen goal. At the other end, efforts came to nothing, with Diego and Frings unable to create anything.

The second half, also a quiet affair, was rocked in the sixty fifth minute with the breakthrough, a clinical finish by Argentinian D'Alessandro. Bursting through the defense, he avoided the challenge from Mertesacker and slotted the ball from an acute angle through the legs of Wiese in goal for one nil.

The second goal was one of excellent passing, and shocking defending. A shot from the edge of the area from Kezman, which Wiese spilt for the first time in the match. Fritz went to clear, but the ball cannoned off Wiese. Just as he grabbed where the ball had been, and Fritz' legs. Both went down, and Petric found the ball at his feet, four yards out, with no obstruction. There was no way he could miss.

And before anybody knew it, it was full time. The game had never really taken off, but was one of quality for the entirity. Neutral fans will be very pleased with the result, and so will Bayer faithfull.

[Muzzy]

Starlet Duo Snapped Up By Leverkusen

Leverkusen reveal the latest additions to their squad today, with the addition of U19 Spanish international Nico Nicht, and U17 French international Francileudo Carriere, both signed from AS Nancy for an undisclosed fee. Both reknowned for their slide tackling and tactical awareness, they were held in high respect by manager Pablo Correa. The club are unable to comment at this time, but both players are expected to play a part in this weeks cup tie for Bayer, against Hamburger SV at the Nordbank Arena.

[Muzzy]

Last Gasp From Kezmn Grabs Point

A ninteyeth minute equaliser from Mateja Kezman saved Bayer Leverkusen a point yesterday, as they were taken to the wire by an impressive Hamburg side that were intent on taking the three points. In a packed Nordbank Arena, home fans were dismayed by a result that they think is much less than deserved.

Although the first effort was from Bayer, a spiraling effort from Kezman well saved by Frank Rost, it was Hamburg who took the lead. In what can now be seen as a simple training ground manouver, a free kick delivered by Nigel De Jong was simply knocked over the wall to the six yard box. Trochowski drifted from his marker, and knocked the ball over Adler in the Bayer goal to give his side the lead on the quater hour mark.

Seven minutes later, Hamburg put air between them and the away side by knocking in a second. Jarolim, shielding the ball on the edge of the box, knocked it sideways to meet a parallel run from Zidan, who struck the ball first time into the bottom corner. Groans from the away fans were drowned out by the rampant cheers of the home supporters.

Leverkusen took this goal as a wake up call more than anything, and started to get into their stride. Kezman had a one on one effort denied, and Petric saw his effort whistle wide of the far post. Indeed, Bayer were on the offensive when half time came.

The second half seemed to have taken the wind out of Hamburg; they lacked the sharpness that had seen them bolster their position so quickly, and were punished just five minutes in, when Bayer pulled an odd goal back. Petric broke from Sorin, avoided the sliding challenge from Abuelo and thumped the ball goalwards. Cannoning off the underside of the bar, it found an offbalance Kezman just yards from goal. His effort was cut short by a crunching challenge, and he could only watch as the ball knocked the post and back into play. Fortunately, Petric was there to follow up, placing the ball into the top corner past the flailing Rost.

More pressure resulted in more chances for Leverkusen, who were unlucky not to draw level. Kezman and Petric both saw goalbound effort denied and then, with four minutes remaining, Andres D'Alessandro whacked a stupendous header against the bar. Things looked grim.

But with time ticking away, somehow Bayer drew level. Schneider had his cross cleared, but Van Der Vaart was dispossesed by Gourcuff. Knocking the ball to his right found Kezman, who lost his marker and drove a low effort across the keeper and into the bottom corner. A shellshocked Hamburg side could only wonder how they hadn't won as, moments later, the final whistle blew.

[Muzzy]

Away Embarrassment For Duisburg

A shocking MSV Duisburg side were thumped four nil by a on the ball Bayer side, who scored all the goal in the opening half an hour. In a game that will haunt the nightmares of MSV fans for weeks to come, the away team never even looked like shooting, let alone scoring.

The first goal came 100% from poor goalkeeping. D'Alessandro pouncing on a ball through the defence, and hitting a half volley staright at the keeper. Starke got down to it, but only palmed the ball into the pitch, which then bounced under him and across the line.

Seven minutes later, the net rippled again. D'Alessandro again, this time stealing the ball from the toes of a sleeping Meyer, and lofting a ball past Starke for the second goal.

On twenty two minutes Starke was to blame again. Short passing from Bayer saw Kezman break free, who lashed a shot at Starke. Instead of catching, the german palmed the ball away - straight to the feet of Petric, who fired into the corner for three nil.

A wing free kick from Roberto Carlos saw the fourth goal on twenty nine minutes. Playing it short past the wall, the Brazilian found Petric, who flicked up and volleyed. Another dipping effort near the ground, another volley slipping under Starke. It was a mirror to goal number one, and that made it all the more embarrassing for Starke.

At this point, Bayer decided they'd done enough. Even so, the score could have been higher. A kezman effort was somehow grasped by Starke, Gourcuff had four or five long range efforts blocked and Petric was denied an open goal. After breaking from the defense, the Croatian took the ball past Starke, only to be challenged with a crunching tackle from Christian Weber to deny him the shot.

Even so, the stats still speak for themselves. Adler touched the ball twice; once to grab a cross, and once to palm away a long range effort. he didn't touch it until the hour mark. Bayer made fourty one tackles, and only four fouls. And Duisburg had one shot. It was, quite simply, a walkover.

[Muzzy]

Hannover Gutted As Points Snatched Away

Despite the best efforts of Robert Enke (above) in the Hannover goal, Bayer Leverkusen came away from the AWD Arena with all three points thanks to two late strikes from Mladen Petric. Hannover put up a good fight, coming close to scoring on several occasions, but just couldn't stick the ball in, and were made to pay.

The early minutes of the game produced some good stuff for Hannover. Hanke missed the best chance of the game just ten minutes in, stealing the ball from Thiago Heleno and hitting the ball goalwards, but Adler made a sublime save to deny the German of his eighth goal of the season. At the other end, Bayer were far less clinical, with poor efforts from D'Alessandro and Petric being saved easily by Enke.

Just before half time however, a spark of life. Petric did his best to keep the ball, facing his own half but on the edge of the Hannover box, feinted one way and backheeled a lay off to D'Alessandro, who struck it with venom. The ball seemed destined for the top corner, only for Enke to claw the ball in his grasp. The entire stadium stood and clapped.

The second half seemed to take the wind out of the Hannover sails, and they seemed a little less lively. Bayer began to dominate, with Kezman, Gourcuff and Petric all coming close to breaking the deadlock. And then, in the seventy eight minute, the breakthroguh.

A long range stinger from Gourcuff was tipped wide by Enke, and Schneider whipped the corner in. Deflecting into the path of Kezman, the Serbain saw his shot blocked by Enke. However, Petric took the lose ball and guided it in with his left peg around the despairing Enke. Hannover fans held their head.

Two minutes later, the game was sealed. Wonderful build up play was broken down by the Hannover defence, only for Schneider to rob the ball back and find Petric unmarked at the edge of the box. Beating the sliding challenge of Bruggink, the Croatian opened himself up and slotted the ball home for his second.

One other story to tell, in which Petric perhaps should have had his hat tick. An early cross from Schneider, to the shins of Petric, who electrified the crowd by producing a stunning bicycle kick past Enke, who didn't have a hope. Running off to celebrate his second hat trick for the club, the referee caleed his attention to the sideline, where the linesman had the offside flag raised. SIghs of relief for Hannover, but it won't make the result any sweeter.

[Muzzy]

Kaiserslautern Dispatched, Bayer Advance

http://eur.yimg.com//ng/sp/eurosport/20070405/18/3513695977.jpg

Two goals in two minutes saw Bayer Leverkusen advance in the Deutshcer Pokal after seeing off lalalaaiserslautern three nil at the Bay Arena. Goals from Barnetta, Petric and Kezman sealed the tie, and Bayer will be feeling confident ahead of the next round.

There was intent from both sides; thirteen minutes in, Bert Schneider saw his long range effort fly a whisker wide of the near post. At the other end, Opara was his toe poked effort tipped round the post. D'Alessandro, linking up well with Barnetta, hit a lay-offed shot so closeto goal he could taste it. Opara, again down at the bayer end, headered a clinical effort just over. Half time saw the teams at nil nil, with Kaiserslautern playing at a much higher level then they have been of recently.

However, their resistance came to an end twenty minutes in, when Bayer opened the scoring. A shot from kezman deflected and cleared found barnetta on the left wing. Embarrassing his marker with a quick left turn, he charged into the penalty area at an angle, shifted the ball parrallel to goal and unleashed a belter of an effort that spun in off the crossbar. The crowd became a sea of bouncing red shirts.

Two minutes later, the second went in. Petric and Gourcuff combining, before finding Kezman on the edge of the area. The Serbains first time shot did enough to beat the keeper, who was caught off balance, as the ball rolled under him and in at the far corner.

A wonderball from Kezman created the third, as the Serbain delivered a chipped through ball to end all passing, which dropped right onto the foot of Petric. Shaking his chasers, the Croatian looked up and slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper to seal advancement for Bayer. They'll certainly be hoping to perform to this standard in the future.

[Muzzy]

Capital Thumping For Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin came away from the Bay Arena with no points, after goals from Mladen Petric and Mateja Kezman delivered a two nil win for Bayer Leverkusen, who now sit top of the table with a game in hand. With a goal in either half and chances for both teams, the game was seldom boring and at times has flashes of world class inspiration from both sides.

The first goal came just twelve minutes in. Barnetta on the left wing cutting inside and shaping to shoot, only to knock the ball into the path of Kezman. An emphatic finish from the Serbian gave Bayer the perfect start to the tie.

Berlin struck back almost immediately, and could have equalised if luck was on their side. Andre Lima beat both Thiago Heleno and Nicht before toe poking an effort past Adler. The ball rolled agonzingly slowly off the post, before Roberto Carlos stepped in by pumping the ball upfield.

Chances fell for either side, with D'Alessandro missing a five yard sitter by blasting it over, and Pantelic thumping a shot at goal that Adler just reached. Half time was an unwelcome interval, as many feared that it would break up the flow. Not so. Just two minutes in, Schneiders miraculous effort from thirty five yards struck the bar and bounced over.

And then the goal. Stepping in and out of challenges, Gourcuff was sliced down just outside the area as he shaped to shoot. Roberto Carlos stepped up to take the free kick, and smacked one goalwards. the keeper flew to his left, but Petric stood in the way. As Drobny went down to save, the ball cannoned off the leg of the Croatian, and into the unprotected net. A cruel blow to Berlin, who had very much been in the game up to that point.

It seemed to shellshock the Blue-Whites, as they seemed far more protective of their own half, and less inclined to go at Bayer. This very much suited the Werkself, who rushed absolutely nothing for the remainder of the game. Two ni, the final score, and one that is probably a little harsh on the away side.

[joelza1990]

what difficulty are you playing on?