New Delhi: Bayer Leverkusen Ladies earned a close 1-0 win against Carl Zeiss Jena Ladies in a hard-fought Frauen-Bundesliga match. The decisive moment of the game came in the 69th minute, thanks to a brilliant finish from Katharina Piljic, who found the back of the net with a well-taken right-footed shot. Piljić’s goal came from a set-piece situation, expertly assisted by Kristin Koegel. Despite Carl Zeiss Jena’s best efforts, including some crucial chances in the closing stages, they could not break down Bayer’s resilient defence.
The match started with both teams testing each other carefully. Bayer 04 Leverkusen Ladies dominated the start but struggled to convert their chances. Cornelia Kramer and Sophie Jedebel made close attempts, but neither could find the target. Meanwhile, Carl Zeiss Jena Ladies defended strongly and had moments of promise, especially through Noemi Gentile, but their finishing let them down.
Die #Bayer04Frauen Fahren Ihren Nashsten Sieg ein 3⃣
So you can get started #B04FCC 1:0 | #bayer04 , #dailyliga pic.twitter.com/0xO77o3CAn
– Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04fussball) 7 October 2024
Bayer Leverkusen grew in confidence as the second half progressed and Piljić’s goal was reward for their perseverance. However, after the goal Carl Zeiss Jena came to life and threw everything forward in the final minutes. Felicia Strasser almost equalized, but her header missed the target in extra time, preserving Bayer’s slim lead.
The closing moments were chaotic, with Carl Zeiss Jena winning several corners and causing panic in the Leverkusen defence. Injuries and delays increased the tension, especially when Strasser suffered a last-minute setback. Despite these late threats, Bayer 04 Leverkusen maintained their slim lead.
Overall, Leverkusen deserved the three points for their attacking intent, but Carl Zeiss Jena will feel they could have snatched a draw with better finishing. The win moves Bayer 04 Leverkusen Ladies top of the table, while Carl Zeiss Jena will need to regroup and find a way to be more clinical in front of goal in the upcoming fixtures.
It was a tight encounter, showing grit and determination from both sides, but a decisive goal from Bayer 04 Leverkusen ultimately separated the teams.