Renato Augusto made it 2-0 for Bayer-© SID-IMAGES/AFP/PATRIK STOLLARZWith a sovereign presence in domestic setting Bayer, Leverkusen has confirmed its role as first Dortmund Tracker. The Werkself defeated the VfL Wolsburg 3-0 (3-0).
Leverkusen (SID) - even without German Captain Michael Ballack in the squad takes Bayer Leverkusen continuing its move into the Champions League. The factory Club claimed a 3-0 (3-0) against the abstiegsbedrohten VfL Wolfsburg the second mode, the fast master behind Borussia Dortmund is however 12 points. The midfielder Lars Bender (21) and Renato Augusto (29), as well as striker Stefan Kiessling (45. + 1) shot the hosts in the first half on the road to victory. The advance on record champion Bayern Munich (1: 3 in Hanover) was enlarged to seven points.
"We have seen a great opportunity to strengthen the second mode." In the first half we did in great style. We were well organised and disciplined and have burning anything. "And when we come forward, we can achieve whatever goal," said Bayer coach of Jupp Heynckes.
The wolves were a performance frightening especially on the defensive and stuck for the third Auswartspleite in a row with only 26 points in the middle of the descent vortex. The former Leverkusen Patrick Helmes, which was called by VfL Coach Pierre Littbarski in the first half as the only top was pale and could bring the Bayer defence under the eye of national coach Joachim Low in fix. After 45 minutes was substituted helmet as a consequence.
In the center of attention, the absent Ballack was on Saturday night, however. The 34-year-old national team captain was at his own request, not in the squad. Instead of the midfielder, who is fighting for a place in the team by coach of Heynckes so far in vain, held an individual training in the morning, to work on its shortcomings.
"I can not comment that, because I don't know the exact backgrounds." "I will talk certainly with him in the next few days," said Loew at the pay TV channel Sky. Bayer-Sports Director Rudi Voeller added: "It can Yes none that that he had two serious injuries in a short time." Of course he needs match practice, but she can not give the coach. This is a vicious circle. "We need Yes a Ballack in top shape to achieve our goals." Heynckes added: "we need him, he is naturally a win for the team - if he is fit."
The failure to take account of the duel with the wolves took place according to an official representation in consultation with Heynckes. Due to the failure of the Chileans Arturo Vidal (yellow red card) had become veteran Ballack hopes, again to stand in the starting lineup.
The long-standing England legionnaire must settle since beginning of the year with the role as a complementary player at Bayer, although he has long since been back his last serious injury (fracture of the Shin kopfchens). Heynckes always noted that the 98-malige international need time to regain his fitness and form. On Saturday, he said Ballack feel currently not valuable enough for the starting eleven.
Without Ballack, the victory against Wolfsburg was retracted. Bender surprised in the 21st minute, played as a defensive midfielder as well as Captain Simon Rolfes, VfL goalkeeper Diego Benaglio with a low shot from 16 meters. Three minutes later the Swiss keeper denied a volley of Gonzalo Castro. It was the Brazilians Renato Augusto reserved to increase also by low shot to 2-0 in the 29th minute. Kiessling applied a work by Castro to the third gate. "After the 1-0 was Wolfsburg no longer on the square", noted national coach Low.
