Bayer Leverkusen has been facing challenges against Jena for an extended period.
Bayer Leverkusen, with several key players sitting out, had a tough time against lower-division side Carl Zeiss Jena in the DFB-Pokal. Despite facing hurdles they hadn't anticipated, the defending champions managed to narrowly edge out their resilient opponents 1-0 (0-0). Jonas Hofmann (52') struck the winning goal for Leverkusen, ensuring victory against the undefeated leaders of the Regionalliga Nordost.
The match, initially scheduled for an unspecified date due to Leverkusen's Supercup commitments, was ultimately played a week and a half later. The draw to determine their next opponent will take place in Dortmund on Sunday. Before then, Leverkusen must tackle RB Leipzig in a high-stakes Bundesliga clash (18:30 CET, Sky).
Coach Xabi Alonso implored his team to prepare well, while sporting director Simon Rolfes warned, "Overlooking this could be a massive mistake." In comparison to their league opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-2), Alonso made seven substitutions. Key players Florian Wirtz and captain Granit Xhaka were among those benched, along with suspended players Victor Boniface, Martin Terrier, and Odilon Kossounou.
Playing in front of a crowd of 15,000 at the makeshift Arena, Leverkusen found it hard to create clear-cut opportunities, with Jena putting up a strong fight and Leverkusen lacking precision. A set piece eventually provided the first major opportunity, with Patrik Schick (25') coming close to scoring from an Aleix Garcia corner, only to slot it wide of the far post. The biggest chance of the first half slipped away from Amine Adli (31'), who managed to squeeze past Jena's defense but hit the right post.
Jena's fans celebrated the half-time draw as if it were a victory, while Alonso recognized the need for a shake-up. European champion Alejandro Grimaldo was brought in for Arther at half-time, immediately making an impact. His cross found an unmarked Hofmann (52'), who headed it past the defenders to seal the victory. Jena, however, refused to give up, with a chance to tie the score eluding them. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar made a crucial last-ditch save to deny Kay Seidemann (65'), while Hamza Muqaj missed an enormous opportunity to level the score for Jena in stoppage time.
The team's focus now shifts to their upcoming Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig, a match that promises intense competition (18:30 CET, Sky). Despite facing several missing key players, including Florian Wirtz and captain Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen's love for soccer never waned, as evidenced by Jonas Hofmann's winning goal in the DFB-Pokal game against Carl Zeiss Jena.
