
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung focuses on the crucial man and moment of the match: "The evening got off to a moderate start for Christopher Nkunku. The RB Leipzig forward tried an early attempt on goal but his first effort went wide of the target (4'). The second missed by even more (41'). The third did not reach the goal but rebounded off Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. Nkunku did not allow himself to be discouraged. Instead, he hit the ball in the air and then Nkunku was able to celebrate. The Frenchman scored the only goal in this top match between RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen with an excellent individual move. Nkunku's unsuccessful attempts on the opposition goal were symbolic of two teams who can play outstanding football but are currently not on top of their game.… Much of the action was in midfield where both sides clearly understood how to neutralise each other."
The report in the online edition of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger also highlights the latter: Both teams showed a grim determination in their attempt to gain dominance in midfield. Nobody avoided putting in the running and nobody shunned a hard tackle. A lot of players run a high risk of injury in the first half. Though nobody was hurt. That was still good although referee Harm Osmers was keen to allow the game to flow with the result that emotions were almost out of control at the end of the first half."
Bild am Sonntag praises the reaction of the Werkself after the 1-0 defeat: "Leverkusen fought back after going behind but lacked the power for the equaliser due to the large number of players missing."
The online edition of the Kicker draws the following conclusion: In essence, it was not a bad game with both teams looking determined and playing at a very high tempo. RB put in greater effort and had more of the game but were as unable to reap the rewards as were the more cautious Bayer. On balance, it was a very physical clash where neither attack able to excel. The reason: Each of the defences led the way, which was no great surprise as the best defence in the league (RB) faced the second best (Bayer). As a result, there were few noteworthy chances."

Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.
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Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.
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Opening opponents, derby weekends, the opponents in the season finale: This information and more will be available to Bayer 04 fans on Thursday, 2 July, when the 2026/27 Bundesliga fixture list is published.
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The next footballing highlight is just around the corner: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament, will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico and feature 48 teams for the first time. Bayer04.de has all the latest on the Werkself players called up to represent their countries.
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While the majority of the Bayer 04 Women are enjoying their summer break, nine Werkself players will be on duty for their national teams in the coming days. Three of them are competing for a place at the World Cup, while six are involved in two friendlies with the Germany U23 team.
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