In the 81st minute of the game against 1. FC Köln, and shortly after his introduction, Tahith Chong’s cross hit the hand of Köln defender Bornauw (match report). Referee Florian Badstübner had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. With Niclas Füllkrug missing through injury, Leonardo Bittencourt stepped up and made no mistake to make it 1-1. No-one would’ve thought it, but it was the first penalty of his professional career.
“I was quite relaxed – too relaxed. That scared me a little for a moment,” said Bittencourt after the final whistle, evidently surprised at how calm he was. With no fans in the stadium, it took the pressure away. The 26-year-old could take his time to see where the goalkeeper was going. “I waited to see what he did and then sent him the wrong way,” said Leonardo Bittencourt. That makes his penalty success rate 100%, which is why he jokingly suggests “we leave it at that.” In the future, SV Werder will be looking to count on Bittencourt’s quality from the spot.
