Wonder goal headlines Leverkusen's Rheinderby win

Bayer Leverkusen delivered a commanding performance in the Rheinderby, combining sustained pressure with moments of individual brilliance to overcome 1. FC Köln.

After a controlled but goalless first half, the hosts raised the intensity after the break, eventually breaking Köln’s resistance with a sensational strike from Martin Terrier before sealing the win through a set-piece, underlining their dominance over both halves at the BayArena.

Here is our full match report for the "Rheinderby" between Leverkusen and Köln.

First half:

Leverkusen were once again without Alejandro Grimaldo, who missed his second consecutive Bundesliga match as he continues to recover from a knock. The absence was notable given that the Spaniard had featured in midweek Champions League action, underlining the cautious approach taken by Bayer in the league.

Despite controlling possession and dictating the tempo, Leverkusen struggled to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances. The best opportunity of the half fell to 1. FC Köln, sparked by an excellent individual effort from El Mala. The winger dribbled his way down the left flank before delivering a perfectly weighted ball into the centre of the box, but Waldschmidt failed to apply the finishing touch.

At the other end, Leverkusen threatened primarily from set pieces. In the 34th minute, Robert Andrich found himself completely unmarked at a corner, only to see his powerful header fly just wide of the target.

For Köln, Kaminski was a standout performer in the first half, covering vast areas of the pitch and contributing at both ends, helping the visitors remain competitive despite Leverkusen’s territorial superiority.

The first half was also shaped by events in the stands. Leverkusen supporters showed solidarity with Köln fans, who had chosen not to travel in protest against stadium entry regulations. Right after kick-off, home fans laid down their flags and as the match progressed, numerous Ultras left the stadium, highlighting a united stance in the ongoing debate over fan policies.

With no breakthrough before the whistle, the teams headed into half-time level, Leverkusen in control of possession but still searching for a decisive moment.

Second half:

The hosts wasted little time in creating chances: Tillman was presented with a HUGE opportunity after picking up the ball near the centre circle and sprinting clear towards Schwäbe, but the midfielder failed to keep his composure and blazed his effort well over the bar.

Leverkusen continued to pile on the pressure in the opening ten minutes, pinning Köln deep inside their own half. Another gilt-edged chance followed when Maza unleashed a powerful effort from close range, only for Schwäbe to react superbly, keeping the ball out with a sharp reflex save.

Despite Leverkusen’s dominance, Köln remained dangerous on the break. Sebulonsen tested the hosts from a free-kick, while substitute Maina tried his luck with a long-range effort, ensuring the visitors stayed a threat.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute, and it came in spectacular fashion: Arthur burst down the right flank before delivering a precise cross into the box, where Terrier produced a stunning scorpion kick to beat Schwäbe. Remarkably, the Frenchman had been subbed on only moments earlier and scored with just his third touch of the game, a contender for the goal of the Bundesliga weekend.

Leverkusen remained firmly in control after taking the lead and continued to create chances. Their pressure paid off again in the 72nd minute, when Andrich, once more largely unmarked at a corner, rose highest and made no mistake this time, doubling the hosts’ advantage.

With Leverkusen dictating proceedings and Köln struggling to stem the tide, the second half firmly belonged to the hosts as they moved into a commanding position. At the end of the day, Köln had no chance in this Rheinderby and Leverkusen can call themselves winners once more.

Full-time: Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 1. FC Köln.