DFB-Pokal: Bayer Leverkusen win 4-0 at Wehen Wiesbaden in opener

Late breakthrough before the break

Leverkusen also had a few nervy moments in the early stages: after around 20 minutes, Bayer keeper Janis Blaswich was called into action for the first time, parrying a collected shot from Niklas May. Blaswich deputised in the DFB-Pokal for regular goalkeeper Mark Flekken and delivered a composed performance between the posts.

After the turn, Bayer raised the tempo and exploited the spaces that Wiesbaden were now inevitably offering. The team repeatedly combined their way through down the flanks and pushed the scoreline higher. In the end, the 4:0 victory – also deserved in terms of margin – underlined the Bundesliga side's status as favourites.

Goals from several Leverkusen players

Those on the scoresheet alongside Schick included Nathan Tella, Christian Kofane and new signing Lucas Vázquez, each of whom added their name to the goalscoring list. Vázquez in particular, signed in the summer, gave an indication of his role in the squad with his first competitive appearance for Bayer. The spread of goals across several players underscored the squad's depth.

From a Leverkusen perspective, however, this evening was about more than just progressing in the cup. The victory was also tied to the official competitive debut of the club's new head coach on the bench. From the first whistle, the team looked focused and clearly imposed their game on proceedings.

Competitive debut with a clear statement

At SV Wehen Wiesbaden, only a defensively-minded basic shape was recognisable over long stretches, with which the third-division side was at least able to keep the favoured visitors in check in the first half until shortly before the break. In the second period, Leverkusen's increasing individual quality and intense pressing extinguished any glimmer of hope of an upset.

Wiesbaden now turn their focus to the day-to-day business of the 3. Liga, while Leverkusen look ahead to their upcoming Bundesliga fixtures brimming with confidence. Progressing in the DFB-Pokal also brings additional revenue and keeps alive the chance of another title run.

In the coming rounds, the noticeably heavier burden of facing top-flight opposition awaits, but Leverkusen were able to convince in Wiesbaden without any dips in performance and without conceding. The competitive debut under the new head coach thus became an atmospheric start to the new competitive season.