The Süddeutsche Zeitung sees the opener from Kevin Volland as the turning point in the match: "The opening goal highlighted the contrast on the pitch. Bayer played with greater freedom while collective confusion broke out amongst the Freiburg players." The SZ also notes the "special link that connects Volland to SC Freiburg." Volland's strike to make it 3-0 was "his seventh goal against Freiburg in eight games."
The Frankfurter Allgemeine reports the match under the headline "Leverkusen roll over SC Freiburg" as follows: "Freiburg, still without a win, were not able to handle Bayer's increased tempo. Leverkusen played with freedom after Volland's opening goal. Freiburg looked paralysed at times and were unable to produce much in attack. In contrast, Leverkusen produced some very good moves, passed well and played with great enjoyment.“
Die Welt reports: "Bayer celebrated a convincing victory in their 1,300th Bundesliga fixture even though they lost some of their focus in the second half. The Werkself only had one point from the first three games of the season when the failure to convert chances was evident. This time, the Rhinelanders were significantly more effective."
The Kölner Stadt Anzeiger highlights the performance of a returning regular first choice: "The captain Lars Bender played in a not particularly enjoyable role for himself at right back that did produce a rarity in world football with him lining up alongside his twin brother in defence." There was praise for the performance of the 28-year-old, "who continually ran up and down the flanks and help to establish early dominance on the pitch." The opening goal from Kevin Volland was, in the eyes of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger, "Exactly the right medicine for the ailing works club. Leverkusen were able to move the ball as if it was on a piece of string."
The Kölnische Rundschau sees the 4-0 win as "normal service resumed."
The Kicker writes: "The bursting of the knot could be heard on the other side of the Rhine. After a faltering start with just one point, Bayer celebrated a 4-0 win that provided relief at all levels."
The Bild reports: "That was brilliant! Driven on by the outstanding Charles Aránguiz, Leverkusen beat a harmless Freiburg side from the bottom of the table 4-0. … The fact the Bayer victory was highly deserved was recognised as fair by the Freiburg coach Christian Streich (52): 'We weren't able to compete with Leverkusen on that form. When they're up for it then you get what we've seen today.'"
The Rheinische Post picks out the performance of two Werkself pros: "Kevin Volland was a key player in the important victory for the Werkself both in terms of position in the table and mentality." The top marks went to Charles Aránguiz: "The Chilean is in great form at the moment. That's not only evident in his delightful diagonal passes, his aggression in challenges, the assists for the first and fourth goals and, of course, The unmissable strike to make it 2-0. He was the man of the match."
The Berliner Morgenpost already looks forward to Wednesday: "After a messed up start to the season, Bayer Leverkusen succeeded in getting rid of their frustration in an impressive first half as well as shaping up for their next opponents Hertha Berlin.“
Premiere on the touchline: When the Werkself welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the BayArena tomorrow, Friday 12 September, at 20.30 CEST, Kasper Hjulmand will make his debut as head coach of Bayer 04. Ahead of the clash on Bundesliga matchday 3 in 2025/26, the 53-year-old Dane spoke about his excitement ahead of his first game, the short preparation time and the strengths of his opponents.
Show moreThe next fixture dates for the Werkself in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga have been finalised - and Bayer 04 will play on the same day of the week four times in a row. The German Football Association (DFB) announced the fixtures for matchdays 5 to 10 on Thursday afternoon.
Show moreEintracht Frankfurt have made a perfect start to the season: The 5-0 victory in the first round of the DFB Pokal at Oberliga club FV Engers 07 was followed by two impressive wins in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen (4-1) and TSG Hoffenheim (3-1). This Friday, 12 September (kick-off: 20:30 CEST/live on Sky and WOW), the team from Frankfurt visit the BayArena. Not exactly their favourite venue. After all, the last time Eintracht scored in Leverkusen was over ten years ago. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreNew Bayer 04 head coach Kasper Hjulmand led his first training session in Leverkusen on Wednesday afternoon starting intensive preparations with the Werkself for the Bundesliga home clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday night, 12 September (kick-off: 20.30 CEST). A large number of players were back from international duty and a new summer signing joined his new teammates on the training ground for the first time...
Show moreKasper Hjulmand was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Werkself on Wednesday morning. In the packed press conference room at the BayArena, the 53-year-old Dane spoke about his anticipation of working with the Werkself and why the job appeals to him so much. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also spoke about the reasons behind Hjulmand's appointment and their similar views and beliefs.
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