DFB Cup: Cup disgrace: Leverkusen fails in Elversberg

DFB Cup
Cup embarrassment: Leverkusen fails in Elversberg

Elversberg’s Jannick Rochelt (l) past Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to make it 1-0. photo

© Uwe Anspach/dpa

Bayer Leverkusen owes almost everything in the first competitive game of the season. In Elversberg comes the quick cup-off. Coach Seoane still has a lot to do before the start of the Bundesliga.

When going to their fans, the professionals from Bayer Leverkusen were mercilessly whistled after the embarrassing first round loss in the DFB Cup at third division promoted SV Elversberg.

“We are disappointed with the result and the overall performance. We didn’t play well – neither offensively nor defensively. Today’s performance was inadequate in every respect,” said Bayer coach Gerardo Seoane about his team’s disappointing performance in the 3-4 draw (2:3) defeat on Saturday.

Bayer reveals weaknesses

A week before the start of the Bundesliga at runners-up Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League starter revealed blatant weaknesses. “It was a catastrophe from the start,” said Robert Andrich self-critically. And goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky grumbled: “We’re busy with everything other than playing football. With the referee, the spectators, the pitch – there was negative energy everywhere. You can’t do anything with so many goals conceded. It looked terrible.”

Jannik Rochelt in the 2nd minute, Kevin Koffi (17th) with a penalty kick, Luca Schnellbacher (37th) and Kevin Conrad (74th) scored in front of 7414 spectators for the courageous outsider. “Compliments to the boys who played a great game,” praised Elversberg’s coach Horst Steffen. Goals from Adam Hlozek (5th), Charles Aránguiz (30th) and Patrik Schick (89th) were not enough for Bayer to advance.

The game started five minutes late due to a broken goal net. When it finally started, it took less than 120 seconds until the first goal scream. Rochelt walked through the Bayer defense with the ball at his feet and overcame Hradecky with a low shot. The joy at the early lead didn’t last long, however, as Leverkusen responded immediately. Newcomer Hlozek hammered the ball into the net from 18 meters for a quick equaliser.

The hosts are off to a strong start to the season

However, the third division leaders continued to hold out and took the lead again. Aránguiz brought goalscorer Rochelt down in the penalty area and Koffi converted the penalty. Aránguiz made up for that mistake after half an hour to make it 2-2 on assist from Sardar Azmoun. Two minutes later, Azmoun hit the post.

And the wild ride continued. Now it was SVE’s turn again. Koffi fired his way down the left flank and fitted into the middle, where Schnellbacher completed at full speed. Again the Bayer defense did not look good.

Bayer coach Seoane reacted during the break and brought in two new midfielders in Paulinho and Kerem Demirbay. The game didn’t get any better for the guests. Rather, the home side continued to have the better chances and were rewarded for their efforts with Conrad’s goal. Schick’s connection goal just before the end came too late for a turn.

dpa

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