Martin Terrier's scorpion kick inspires Bayer Leverkusen to 2-0 victory over Cologne in derby
Martin Terrier's spectacular scorpion kick goal just minutes after coming off the bench set Bayer Leverkusen on their way to a 2-0 triumph over local rivals Cologne, with Robert Andrich adding a second to secure all three points at the BayArena.
Leverkusen 2-0 Cologne
Goals: 1-0 Terrier 66’ (assist: Arthur), 2-0 Andrich (assist: García) 72’
Leverkusen went into the Rhine derby looking to bounce back from consecutive Bundesliga defeats, while visitors Cologne arrived at the BayArena winless in their last four matches despite an impressive start to the season.
The hosts were without two key attacking influences, with both Alejandro Grimaldo and Patrik Schick missing through injury, whilst Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok kept faith with the same starting XI that drew against St. Pauli, something he had not done previously this season.
Big chances not taken in opening 45
The home side dominated possession in the opening stages, with Christian Kofane and Malik Tillman combining well to create an early chance, but Marvin Schwäbe was alert to make the save.
Cologne grew into the game and created the best chance of the half when Saïd El Mala broke down the left and delivered a precise cross that found Luca Waldschmidt unmarked, but the striker couldn't convert.
Andrich should have given Leverkusen the lead shortly after, but headed wide from close range following a corner.
Terrier's moment of magic
Kwasniok made a triple substitution at half-time, bringing on Linton Maina, Cenk Özkacar and Ragnar Ache, but it was Leverkusen who started the second period stronger. Tillman squandered a golden opportunity after pouncing on a Sebastian Sebulonsen error, firing over when clean through.
The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute, just four minutes after Martin Terrier had been introduced. A slick combination between Arthur and Aleix García resulted in a cross that Terrier converted with an acrobatic scorpion kick finish that looped over Schwäbe.
Watch: Martin Terrier's incredible scorpion kick
Andrich seals the points
Six minutes later, Leverkusen doubled their advantage. After a period of sustained pressure, they won another corner which García delivered perfectly for Andrich, who rose highest to power a header past Schwäbe.
Despite a valiant effort from the visitors, Kasper Hjulmand's side controlled the remainder of the match professionally, even having chances through Alejo Sarco and Jeanuël Belocian to extend their lead further. The 2-0 victory moves Leverkusen up to fourth in the table, while Cologne remain in the top half despite their recent winless run.
Man of the Match: Marvin Schwäbe
Despite ending up on the losing side, Schwäbe was voted Man of the Match with 35% of the votes, a testament to his outstanding performance between the posts for Cologne.
The goalkeeper made several crucial saves throughout the match, denying Kofane in the first half and Ibrahim Maza early in the second period with excellent reactions.
Even when Leverkusen did break through, it took an acrobatic backheel and a powerful header to beat him. Without Schwäbe's interventions, the scoreline would have been considerably more comfortable for the hosts.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Leverkusen 2.52 - Cologne 0.58
Fastest player: Alejo Sarco (Leverkusen), 33.79 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Martin Terrier (Leverkusen), 5.81 per cent
Most pressed player: Ernest Poku (Leverkusen), 22 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Aleix García (Leverkusen), +2.89
Fantasy Heroes: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen, 261 Points), Arthur (Bayer Leverkusen, 244 Points), Marvin Schwäbe (Cologne, 234 Points)
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