When referee Manuel Gräfe whistled on today, Wednesday night, at halftime, the world of Fortuna fans was still in order among the 40,046 spectators. Although it was 0-0, but the home side dominated in Bayer Leverkusen an opponent of international standard. The fact that it was at the end then 1: 2, had Fortuna on the one hand due to a frivolous chance utilization on the one hand even chalking. On the other hand, the Bayer Team also began after the break to bring their high individual quality on the court - and overtook the Fortuna therefore not undeserved in the Bundesliga table.

Fortuna was tactically flexible this season. Against Leverkusen coach Friedhelm Funkel played again in the 4-1-4-1 system. Personally, he changed his starting lineup to two positions. For Marvin Ducksch began Rouwen Hennings and in midfield Kevin Stöger ran again. For him, veteran Adam Bodzek had to go to the bank. Heiko Herrlich also made changes. Julian Brandt, Lucas Alario and Mitchell Weiser spun out, Kevin Volland, Issac Kiese Thelin and Tin Jedvaj were allowed to start.

But the formations were only a marginal aspect. Rather, it was about the right attitude to the game. And in the first 45 minutes, it looked as if only one team really wanted to play a round of Bundesliga football - that was the home side. Leverkusen acted driving and sluggish. But Fortuna convinced not only by the better work ethic, but also playful. It was not even played five minutes when Lukas Hradecky first had to show a bear-strong parade. Niko Gießelmann and Alfredo Morales combined at will, and Benito Raman failed on the keeper.

After the page break all things changed. The first shot on goal by Bayer Rensing fended off yet. But from the resulting corner followed the lead for the team from Leverkusen. Dominik Kohr headed forward and Volland only had to push the ball over the line (51.).

The goal and the body language of substitute Mitchell Weiser helped the Leverkusen players to show a more committed attitude. Fortuna lost in this phase their usual basic order and invited Bayer to counterattack. And until then, because of Marcel Sobottka completely deregistered Kai Havertz took advantage of the free space available for a fantastic overplay, the Volland head again only had to bring in the deserted goal (60.). These two goals drew Fortuna's tooth. This also changed the penalty from Rouwen Hennings in injury time nothing. Bayer brought the victory safely home the Rhine.