Bayer 04 Leverkusen delivered a ruthless away performance to beat SV Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 in the DFB Pokal first round on 22 August 2026. The Bundesliga side showed no mercy in front of a packed crowd at the BRITA-Arena, clinically dismantling the third-tier hosts with a composed and efficient display that underlined the gulf in class between the two clubs.

Match report: A dominant Leverkusen display

Leverkusen took control from the opening exchanges, moving the ball quickly and pinning Wiesbaden deep inside their own half. The visitors' high press forced errors in the host's defensive third, and it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. A well-worked move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned in at the near post, giving the Bundesliga outfit an early lead that settled any nerves.

Wehen Wiesbaden attempted to respond by pushing their midfield higher and looking for set-piece opportunities, but Leverkusen's defensive organisation was immaculate. The second goal arrived shortly before the interval when a crisp passing sequence carved open the home defence for a placed finish into the bottom corner. At 2-0, the tie was effectively decided, but Leverkusen continued to push for more.

Second-half control

The hosts came out with renewed energy after the break but never seriously threatened the visitors' goal. Leverkusen, in contrast, managed the game expertly, keeping possession and striking on the counter. Two further goals, one from a thunderous strike outside the box and another from a well-timed header from a corner, put a gloss on the scoreline and sent a clear message to the rest of the cup contenders.

Key moments

• 23rd minute: Leverkusen open the scoring with a close-range finish after patient build-up play.
• 41st minute: A lightning counter-attack doubles the lead with a composed finish inside the box.
• 67th minute: A long-range effort finds the top corner to make it 3-0.
• 83rd minute: A looping header from a corner completes the rout at 4-0.

Standout performers

Leverkusen's attacking midfielders were at their creative best, constantly finding pockets of space between Wiesbaden's midfield and defence. The full-backs also impressed, providing overlapping width and delivering dangerous crosses. At the back, the central defenders barely gave the hosts a sniff of goal, while the goalkeeper remained untroubled for long stretches.

Season and cup context

For Bayer 04 Leverkusen, this cup victory extends their impressive run in knockout competitions and sets up a potentially intriguing second-round draw. Wehen Wiesbaden, meanwhile, will take pride in their efforts against top-flight opposition, but the result reflects the significant step up in quality the club faces when competing against the elite of German football.

The DFB Pokal first round has historically produced surprises, but this was not one of them. Leverkusen's professionalism and depth proved decisive, and the 4-0 scoreline was a fair representation of a performance that combined technical quality with ruthless finishing. For the neutrals, it was a reminder of why the Bundesliga side remain genuine contenders for major silverware in 2026.