The Champions League has long been the stage where football narratives are written in bold letters, and on September 18, 2024, Bayer 04 Leverkusen authored a compelling chapter with a masterful 4-0 victory over Feyenoord Rotterdam at the historic De Kuip stadium.
This wasn’t merely a football match; it was a tactical symposium where Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen side demonstrated why they had become one of Europe’s most fascinating teams to watch.
The game, highlighted by Florian Wirtz’s brilliant brace, served as a perfect example of modern football’s evolution, where tactical sophistication meets technical excellence.
The significance of this encounter extended far beyond the scoreline. For Leverkusen, it represented a statement of intent in European football, while for Feyenoord, it offered a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins at elite levels.
Feyenoord Vs Bayer Leverkusen Lineups
The match unfolded in Rotterdam’s iconic De Kuip stadium, where the passionate home crowd witnessed a display of clinical efficiency from the visiting German side that would be discussed in tactical rooms across Europe for months to come.
Pre-Match Context and Team Dynamics
Feyenoord’s Approach:
- A recent domestic form showing promise
- Strong home record in European competitions
- Tactical setup focused on high-pressing game
- Emphasis on wing play and quick transitions
Leverkusen’s Preparation:
- Unbeaten run leading into the match
- Growing reputation under Xabi Alonso
- Focus on positional play
- Integration of youth and experience
Detailed Team Analyses
Feyenoord Rotterdam Setup
Starting Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defensive Unit:
- Wellenreuther (Goalkeeper)
- Strong shot-stopping abilities
- Command of aerial situations
- Distribution skills under pressure
Back Four:
- Lotomba (Right-Back)
- Attacking mindset
- Speed in recovery
- Combination play abilities
- Trauner (Center-Back)
- Leadership in defense
- Aerial superiority
- Tactical organization
- Beelen (Center-Back)
- Reading of the game
- Positional awareness
- Building from the back
- Hancko (Left-Back)
- Balanced approach
- Crossing ability
- Defensive positioning
Midfield Configuration:
- Hwang In-Beom (Deep-Lying Midfielder)
- Technical proficiency
- Pass selection
- Defensive screening
- Zerruki (Central Midfielder)
- Box-to-box presence
- Pressing trigger
- Link-up play
Advanced Positions:
- Timber (Advanced Midfielder)
- Creative influence
- Between-the-lines movement
- Set-piece delivery
- Milambo (Right Winger)
- Direct running
- Width provision
- Counter-attacking threat
- Igor Paixao (Left Winger)
- Technical skills
- Cutting inside
- Combination play
- Gimenez (Striker)
- Target man abilities
- Pressing from front
- Goal-scoring threat
Bayer Leverkusen Configuration
Starting Formation: 3-4-2-1
Defensive Triangle:
- Hradecky (Goalkeeper)
- Shot-stopping excellence
- Distribution quality
- Command of area
Back Three:
- Tapsoba (Right Center-Back)
- Ball progression
- Recovery pace
- Aerial presence
- Tah (Central Center-Back)
- Defensive organization
- Physical presence
- Leadership
- Hincapie (Left Center-Back)
- Technical ability
- Progressive passing
- Defensive awareness
Midfield Setup:
- Frimpong (Right Wing-Back)
- Attacking thrust
- Defensive recovery
- Width provision
- Xhaka (Central Midfielder)
- Game control
- Passing range
- Tactical awareness
- Andrich (Central Midfielder)
- Defensive shield
- Pressing organizer
- Positional discipline
- Alex Grimaldo (Left Wing-Back)
- Attacking contribution
- Technical quality
- Set-piece expertise
Forward Line:
- Wirtz (Right Forward)
- Creative hub
- Goal threat
- Movement between lines
- Terrier (Left Forward)
- Pressing intensity
- Link-up play
- Support runs
- Boniface (Striker)
- Physical presence
- Hold-up play
- Finishing ability
Tactical Evolution Through Substitutions
Feyenoord’s Changes:
| Time | Substitution | Tactical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 46′ | Zerruki → Smal | Structural change to combat wide threats |
| 60′ | Lotomba → Hadj Moussa | Attacking impetus addition |
| 61′ | Igor Paixao → Ueda | Fresh legs in attack |
| 72′ | Trauner → Mitchell | Defensive reorganization |
| 74′ | Milambo → Nadje | Final attacking push |
Leverkusen’s Adjustments:
| Time | Substitution | Strategic Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 62′ | Boniface → Schick | Maintain pressing intensity |
| 72′ | Wirtz → Aleix Garcia | Control possession |
| 72′ | Terrier → Adli | Fresh energy in attack |
| 80′ | Alex Grimaldo → Belocian | Defensive solidity |
| 81′ | Xhaka → Palacios | Midfield energy |
Match Progression and Key Moments
First Half Dominance (0-45 minutes)
5th Minute – Wirtz Opens the Scoring (0-1):
- Quick transition play
- Exploitation of half-space
- Clinical finish past Wellenreuther
30th Minute – Grimaldo Doubles Lead (0-2):
- Build-up from back
- Wing-back positioning
- Precise strike
36th Minute – Wirtz’s Second (0-3):
- Counter-pressing success
- Midfield overload
- Composed finish
43rd Minute – Trauner Yellow Card:
- Tactical foul
- Breaking counter-attack
- Professional decision
44th Minute – Wellenreuther Own Goal (0-4):
- High pressing impact
- Defensive miscommunication
- Unfortunate deflection
Second Half Management (45-90 minutes)
Game Control:
- Possession retention
- Tactical flexibility
- Energy conservation
Defensive Organization:
- Compact shape
- Press resistance
- Counter-attack prevention
Statistical Deep Dive
Possession and Control Metrics:
| Metric | Leverkusen | Feyenoord |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% | 76% |
| Total Passes | 547 | 384 |
| Forward Passes | 198 | 156 |
| Long Balls | 45 | 62 |
Attacking Statistics:
| Metric | Leverkusen | Feyenoord |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shots | 14 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 3 |
| Big Chances | 5 | 1 |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Crosses | 18 | 22 |
Defensive Actions:
| Metric | Leverkusen | Feyenoord |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles Won | 16 | 12 |
| Interceptions | 14 | 9 |
| Clearances | 22 | 18 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 15 | 13 |
| Blocks | 8 | 11 |
Tactical Masterclass Analysis
Leverkusen’s Attacking Patterns:
- Utilization of half-spaces
- Wing-back positioning
- Central overloads
- Transition moments
Defensive Organization:
- High pressing triggers
- Compact mid-block
- Counter-press efficiency
- Recovery runs
Set-Piece Situations:
- Corner variations
- Free-kick positioning
- Defensive organization
- Second ball preparation
Individual Performances of Note
Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen):
- Goals: 2
- Key Passes: 4
- Dribbles Completed: 5
- Pass Accuracy: 89%
Alex Grimaldo (Leverkusen):
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
- Crosses: 6
- Defensive Actions: 8
Hwang In-Beom (Feyenoord):
- Passes Completed: 45
- Tackles: 3
- Interceptions: 2
- Distance Covered: 11.2km
Frequently Asked Questions
What made this performance special from Leverkusen?
- Tactical execution precision
- Individual brilliance in key moments
- Defensive solidarity
- Game management expertise
How did this result impact both teams’ European campaigns?
- Strengthened Leverkusen’s group position
- Created qualification pressure for Feyenoord
- Demonstrated quality gap
- Influenced future tactical approaches
What were the key tactical battles that defined the match?
- Midfield control contest
- Wing-back vs winger duels
- Pressing patterns
- Transition moments
How did the substitutions influence the game?
- Tactical flexibility demonstration
- Energy management
- Game state adaptation
- Strategic timing
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Conclusion:
The Champions League encounter between Feyenoord Rotterdam and Bayer Leverkusen will be remembered as a tactical masterclass that demonstrated the evolution of modern football.
The 4-0 victory for Leverkusen, highlighted by Wirtz’s double, Grimaldo’s strike, and an unfortunate own goal, showcased not just the German side’s technical superiority but also their tactical sophistication under Xabi Alonso’s guidance.
For Leverkusen, this victory represented more than just three points – it was a declaration of their arrival among Europe’s elite.
The performance demonstrated their ability to dominate away from home in one of football’s most challenging environments.
The execution of their tactical plan, from the high press to the clinical finishing, set a benchmark for teams aspiring to compete at the highest level.
For Feyenoord, while the result was disappointing, it provided valuable insights into the requirements for success in modern European football.
The experience, though challenging, offered important lessons about tactical flexibility, technical execution, and the importance of maintaining concentration throughout ninety minutes at the elite level.
This match will serve as a reference point for both clubs’ trajectories in European football. For Leverkusen, it confirmed their status as serious contenders in continental competition.
For Feyenoord, it provided a clear indication of the areas requiring development to compete consistently at this level.
As both teams continue their respective journeys in European football, this game will remain a significant milestone in their development and a testament to the evolving nature of modern football.