The Kölner Stadt Anzeiger highlights Larnaca's contribution to an entertaining game of football: "Arriving as the rank outsiders, Larnaca wanted to take a positive approach to the game. They combined well in the opening stages and left room for Leverkusen on the wings. However, Bayer 04 were unable to use that space effectively. In contrast to the visitors: A cross came in and suddenly Ivan Trickovski found himself one-on-one with Lukas Hradecky and he made no mistake as he converted to give his side a deserved lead on 25 minutes. The Cypriots then proved to be accommodating opponents. They endeavoured to sit on the 1-0 lead but were unable to hold on to it – with so many Spaniards in the team they are clearly not set up for that."
The Kölnische Rundschau came to the following conclusion: "Deep breaths. Five days after the memorable 4-2 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Bayer 04 Leverkusen eventually managed to secure a second win in the group stage of the Europa League." Kevin Volland, who provided the assists for the third and fourth goals, was quoted as saying: "In the position we're in, every win is good for our heads."
The Bild Zeitung wrote, 'A win but not brilliant' and the tabloid quoted Rudi Völler: "A hard-earned victory. It was a tough game. We knew beforehand there wasn't much to win except the three points."
The Westdeutsche Zeitung emphasises the part played by a Werkself player who has been outstanding for weeks: "Kai Havertz sets Leverkusen on course again." The Kölner Express adopts the same view: "Where would Bayer Leverkusen be without Kai Havertz? The 19-year-old set his team on course for victory against AEK Larnaca from Cyprus. After he was taken off, the Herrlich team had a fright."
The Rheinische Post opted for the headline, 'Werkself win after difficult start'. The report follows: "Bayer 04 fans had to wait 590 days for a home game in European competition. On Thursday night the time had come: The Werkself entertained AEK Larnaca in the Europa League under floodlights. Before the game against the Cyprus cup winners, the sporting managing director Rudi Völler demanded the team send out a signal. They did that – albeit with problems at the start. In the end, the Werkself earned a 4-2 victory."
The Kicker points out Bayer 04 chalked up a win after coming from behind as they did in the first game in Rasgrad: "Bayer 04 Leverkusen had to work hard to secure a second win in the second group match in the Europa League. Against the Cypriot team AEK Larnaca, the Werkself were behind for much of the first half but were able to turn the game round with a double from substitute Lukas Alario and they ran out deserved winners with a 4-2 scoreline."
Paderborn caused the upset of the second round of the DFB-Pokal as the Bundesliga 2 side beat top-flight Freiburg 3-1. The club from East Westphalia are now out to deliver another cup battle at the BayArena on Wednesday (kick-off: 18:00 CET). Here’s the lowdown on our next opponent.
Show moreOnce again there will be an early bird phase for tickets to Bayer 04 Bundesliga home games in the 2023/24 Rückrunde, open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members. The latest information.
Show moreMonster Energy has been a partner in the Sponsors Club at Bayer 04 Leverkusen since the start of the 2023/24 season. Monster Energy has shown their products at Werkself home games on the LED advertising hoardings at the BayArena. Monster Energy activated the next stage of the partnership with the current Bundesliga league leaders for Bayer 04’s home game against Union Berlin in the middle of November. Monster Energy will continue to present themselves as a reliable and ambitious partner to Leverkusen fans through similar promotional events as at the game against Union Berlin.
Show moreBayer 04 involvement with the ‘Kältegang Leverkusen’ project continues this winter. The current Bundesliga league leaders and their fans again presented financial and in-kind donations to the homeless charity at home game against Borussia Dortmund (1-1).
Show moreThe Werkself remain unbeaten after the 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 13. The one-sided game demanded a lot of strength of nerve and competitive spirit from Xabi Alonso's team. In the end, Victor Boniface rewarded the relentless attacking efforts of the league leaders against passive but efficient visitors. The Werkself review.
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