Highlights

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Derby delight sends Leverkusen top

An excellent Leverkusen performance seals all three points for the hosts and sends them top going into the international break. Hofmann, Frimpong and Boniface all capped sweeping team moves for the goals, brushing Cologne aside in the process. Die Werkself look like genuine title contenders, while the Billy Goats remain rock-bottom after losing for the sixth time already this term.
Full-time
90'
+ 1

Three minutes added on

Cologne make their final changes in the dying moments of this.
90'
+ 1

Substitution

90'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes

information
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 90 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
89'

Things winding down

The hosts have taken the foot off the gas and are strolling to the win now. Hofmann, who has been excellent once again, is replaced by Puerta for the final minutes.
81'

Couple more changes

Two stars of today's game depart as Frimpong and Boniface - both goalscorers - are replaced by Tella and Hložek.
79'

Almost four

How is it not 4-0!? That Bayer counter-attack breaks at speed and Boniface is clear on goal but his effort flies just past the post. A rare missed chance from Boniface.
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How Boniface made it 3-0

This was the moment Boniface tapped home Hofmann's pass at the back post. It's been video game football at times from the home side.
76'

This is a dangerous Leverkusen side

information
xGoals
The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).
xGoals
3
3.63
1.27
0
Goals
76'

Goal attempts
8off target
10on target
3off target
2on target
75'

Double change Cologne

A couple of switches from Baumgart this time, with Tigges coming on to try to offer something else in attack. Olesen also makes his return from injury.
72'

Double change Leverkusen

Wirtz won't get his goal today after being replaced by Adli. Hincapié also enters the fray, replacing Tapsoba at the back.
70'

Bayer and Boniface can't stop scoring

That's Boniface's seventh goal of the season and Leverkusen are now the league's top scorers. This team looks special right now.
67'

Boniface has his goal

It's not Wirtz, but it's Boniface. It's seemed inevitable that he would get a goal today and the big man makes it 3-0 by tapping home Hofmann's square pass. It's another sublime team move and that all-but wraps up the points for Leverkusen.
67'
Victor Boniface
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
92 %
Distance to Goal
information
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
8.2 m
66'

Wirtz due a goal against his old club?

Shots
5
2
Florian Wirtz Eric Martel
62'

Alidou off, Finkgräfe on

Alidou's first Bundesliga start comes to an end as Baumgart calls for Finkgräfe from the bench. It was a tough ask for Alidou today, Cologne just haven't got their attack into the game.
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Alonso kicking every ball

We looked at the contrasting styles of the men in the respective dugouts ahead of the game, with the cool, calm Alonso up against the all-action Baumgart but the Spaniard has been prowling that technical area with purpose today. He and his team have been up for it from the off.
55'

Frimpong denied

It's almost goal number 23 in the league as Boniface unselfishly passes across goal to Frimpong to finish but Schwäbe is to the rescue again.
51'

Bundesliga's joint-leading scorers

Leverkusen scored their 21st and 22nd goals of the league season thus today, a return only equalled by VfB Stuttgart. They've scored at least twice in all 10 of their fixtures across all competitions, which is 36 in total at an average of 3.6 goals per game.
48'

Super Schwäbe

If it wasn't for the Cologne goalkeeper, Leverkusen would be 5-0 up. This time Schwäbe somehow gets a finger's tip to Wirtz's effort and it's enough to push the ball over the bar. Leverkusen have started well again.
46'

Back underway

We're up and running once more in Leverkusen...
Kick-off!
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Leverkusen ahead and coasting

Alonso's side are currently sauntering back to the top of the table after an excellent first-half. Hofmann and Frimpong finished off two superb team moves, leaving Cologne with a major task on their hands. They did go close at the end of the half but they've been way off the pace of their excellent hosts.
Half-time
45'
+ 1

Four minutes added on

The board goes up just before Selke has a great opportunity to pull one back. It's a lovely reverse pass from Kainz and Selke does well to turn inside Frimpong but the ball takes a nick and sails over the bar. Cologne almost score from the corner but the ball's not over the line.
41'

Leverkusen dominating the ball

In fact, Leverkusen are dominating every aspect of this game. Unless you're a Cologne supporter, it's been a joy to watch.
Possession (%)
6634
41'

Passes
328
141
39'

Leverkusen loving life

The movement off the ball, the swift interchanges around the box, the piercing passing and rapid pace that Leverkusen are playing at are devastating. It's a case of 'how many?' at this rate.
36'

What a save

Grimaldo cuts in from the right after a short corner and lets fly but is denied by a stunning Schwäbe save as the ball looked destined for the top corner.
34'

It could be even higher

information
It could be even higher
0'
73.5 %
Now
92.8 %
33'

Leverkusen double their lead

It's 2-0 to Leverkusen, with Grimaldo crossing from one side and Frimpong tapping home at the other. Yet again, it's a delightful move and Leverkusen are playing like proper title hopefuls here. Stunning stuff.
32'
Jeremie Frimpong
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
92 %
Distance to Goal
information
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
8.11 m
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Happy Hofmann

What a signing Hofmann is proving to be. That was his fourth league goal for the club, to go with two more assists.
30'

Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes

information
Speed check: The fastest player in the game after 30 minutes
Through high-end camera technology and machine learning, the speed of each player is evaluated in real time. Top speed then means, the fastest measured single frame of a player/game.
1.
Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah32.71km/h
2.
Timo Hübers
Timo Hübers32.52km/h
25'

Selke nearly let in

A short backpass from Leverkusen almost allows Selke in on goal but Hrádecký is sharp off his line to clear. he hosts go right up the other end and win a corner but it comes to nothing.
23'

It was coming

information
xGoals
The xGoals value of a club is calculated from the sum of all goal probabilities (goals and shots on goal) of that team. During a match, it’s easy to see whether the club is performing better than expected (goals > xGoals) - or maybe even higher (xGoals > goals).
xGoals
1
0.67
0.22
0
Goals
22'

Deadlock broken

Leverkusen have been firmly on top and their pressure finally tells with a stunning team move. Boniface, Grimaldo and Wirtz are all involved with Wirtz's clever touch finding Hofmann to turn home from close range. A great goal, Leverkusen looking excellent once more.
22'
Video Assistant RefereeVideo Assistant Referee
SituationGoal
ReviewPrevious handball?
DecisionGoal
22'
Jonas Hofmann
Goal probability
information
Goal probability
Goal probability determines the likelihood that the ball will land in the goal from every position on the pitch. The value is based on large amounts of data from previous years; factors such as shot angle, distance to goal and opponent pressure - as well as mathematical models.
30 %
Distance to Goal
information
Distance to Goal
The distance to goal is measured at the time of the shot - from the position of the ball to the center of the goal.
9.42 m
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Wirtz denied

It's another good save from Schäbe to this time deny Wirtz from the edge of the box. The away side would not be happy if their former youth academy player is on the scoresheet today.
18'

Wirtz and Palacios pulling the strings

information
Wirtz and Palacios pulling the strings
Pass Efficiency
2.02
0.96
Florian Wirtz
Jeff Chabot
1.43
0.78
Exequiel Palacios
Denis Huseinbašić
0.98
0.62
Alejandro Grimaldo
Marvin Schwäbe
17'

Over the bar from Tah

Tah sneaks in at the back post to meet Hofmann's free-kick from the left but his header clears the crossbar. Leverkusen well on top right now.
15'

Shot No. 42

That was shot number 42 for Boniface this season, that's 13 more than Serhou Guirassy who is next on the list with most efforts on goal this term.
13'

Good save Schwäbe

Boniface, who loves a shot, follows up his first shot of the game with a wonderful piece of skill to put him one-on-one with Schwäbe but the Cologne 'keeper is up to the task. That was seriously good from Boniface.
10'

Alidou in attack

Alidou, making his first Bundesliga start today, is actually playing alongside Selke in attack. We thought he may drop in behind Selke but Baumgart has stuck with his preferred option of two up-front.
7'

Big job for Cologne midfield

Martel, back in the side after injury, and Huseinbašić have a major task ahead of them today in getting the best of things in midfield. The culture and clout, respectively of Palacios and Xhaka on the other side will pose a serious challenge.
5'

Leverkusen warming up

The hosts start to get the legs pumping through Boniface and Grimaldo but the former can't find the latter as they got to the Cologne box.
3'

Beware the B04 counter

Cologne have started well at the BayArena but Leverkusen have already threatened to counter-attack, something that has brought them great success this season.
1'

Off we go

We're up and running in Leverkusen...
Kick-off!

In for a treat

As the previous tweet shows, there will be some atmosphere in the BayArena today. Will the game go to form and see Leverkusen return to the top or can Cologne chalk up a big win? We'll soon find out.

Half hour to kick-off

We've got just about half an hour to go until the ball starts rolling on Sunday's Matchday 7 fixtures, with bragging rights on the line in Leverkusen first up.
0:05
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Watch: Peek into the visitors' dressing room

More on those teams - Leverkusen

Alonso's outfit are incredibly settled at the minute, with the Spaniard lining up with exactly the same 3-4-2-1 formation and personnel for the sixth time in seven games. If it ain't broke...

More on those teams - Cologne

Cologne have added a bit of protection in midfield in the shape of the returning Eric Martel, who features for the first time since Matchday 3. Davie Selke is up top on his own, with Steffen Tigges dropping to the bench.

Leverkusen starting XI

Hrádecký (c) - Kossounou, Tah, Tapsoba - Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo - Hofmann, Wirtz - Boniface

Leverkusen subs

Kovář, Stanišić, Hincapié, Andrich, Amiri, Puerta, Tella, Adli, Hložek

Cologne starting XI

Schwäbe - Carstensen, Hübers, Chabot, Paqarada - Huseinbašić, Martel - Ljubičić, Kainz (c), Alidou - Selke

Cologne subs

Pentke, Heintz, Kilian, Finkgräfe, Limnios, Olesen, Tigges, Adamyan

Teams have arrived

Both sets of players are through the door at the BayArena and we will be finding out very shortly what their starting XIs look like.

Baumgart: "I'm convinced we'll have a good season"

Things aren't looking quite as rosy in Cologne but a win up the road today could be just what they need to get their season going. "We have to battle to get out of the situation," said Baumgart this week. "But I'm still convinced that we'll have a good season."
2:03
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Watch: Frimpong pens new Leverkusen deal

There is a real buzz about the BayArena at the minute, with Jeremie Frimpong's new contract only serving to increase the positive feeling around the club.
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Florian in focus

As ever in this fixture, there will be eyes on Florian Wirtz today - the star who riled up some Billy Goats and delighted the Werkself when making the switch in 2020. We took a look back at that move this week, one that continues to split the room to this day.

As it stands

Going into Sunday's final three fixtures of Matchday 7, Leverkusen have dropped to third but they can regain top spot by beating their Rhine rivals. As for Cologne, they go into the game in last place and four points from safety.

Set your alarms

A spot of housekeeping to get us underway today, with the derby kicking-off at 3.30pm CEST. Team news will drop approximately an hour before then so set your alarms and pop notifications on if you're using our app to make sure you see those teams when they land.

Leverkusen team news

Xabi Alonso has little to worry about in terms of injuries ahead of this clash. In fact, only Arthur and Patrik Schick are unavailable for this encounter and, with the latter back on the training pitch, the Czech Republic international could soon be available for selection once more.

Cologne looking to kickstart campaign

The first few weeks of this term have ben difficult for Cologne. They are without a win in their opening six matches, managing just one draw alongside five defeats and, as a result, they sit bottom of the table. They have never had a worst start to a season, but there is no better occasion on which to arrest a slump in form than a home derby.
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Probable line-ups

Who’s set to play this weekend? Who’s going to miss out? Keep up to date with all the latest team news right here!
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Watch: The story of Xabi Alonso

0:29
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Watch: Alejandro Grimaldo's free-kick vs. Mainz recreated on FC24

3:01
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Watch: Vote for your September Goal of the Month!

Ten of the best goals from the last month – but which will be named September’s winner? Watch the contenders here and then cast your vote below!
2:03
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Watch: Leverkusen 1-2 Cologne - previous meeting

Cologne claimed victory up the river the last time these two sides met thanks to a Davie Selke double.

Head-to-head

Leverkusen may be rampant right now, but they have lost their last two Bundesliga home meetings with Cologne – results which marked the first time they have ever lost back-to-back home games against the Billy Goats.

Is this the year for Neverkusen?

Leverkusen have made their best-ever start to a Bundesliga season with 16 points after six games (W5, D1), with the one blip being the 2-2 draw away at Bayern. As a result, they go into a matchday top of the Bundesliga table for the third time this season – the most since 2014/15 (also three) - and the club are dreaming of the title already.
2:03
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Watch: Mainz 0-3 Leverkusen - highlights

Leverkusen, meanwhile, can't stop winning and they maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a fifth victory out of six in Mainz last weekend.
2:03
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Watch: Cologne 0-2 VfB Stuttgart - highlights

Cologne were on the wrong end of a 2-0 loss to high-flying Stuttgart last time out and they're still yet to win this season.
0:30
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Hello and welcome!

Thanks for joining us for build-up and live coverage of this Matchday 7 fixture between Leverkusen and Köln.