What the papers say: ‘Extends gap to drop zone’

Read on for what the papers say:

The Kölner Stadt Anzeiger writes: “While it was not a decisive result at the Böllenfalltor stadium in Darmstadt, the relief of the Leverkusen players was clear to see after their 2-0 win at Darmstadt. ‘The win feels really good,’ said defender Ömer Toprak after the final whistle, ‘we remained calm under pressure.' In fact, these three points means the gap for the Werkself to the play-off place (six points) is significantly bigger than that to seventh position (three), which could be enough to qualify for Europe. ... On 15 minutes the Werkself produced one of their best attacks of the season. The move from back to front saw Baumgartlinger pass to Bellarabi on the right and he picked out Brandt in front of goal to score from close range."

"Bayer stop downward slide" was the Kicker headline and its report named Julian Brandt as the man of the match: "Started the move for the opening goal, coolly converted it from skillfully provided the assist for the second goal: Julian Brandt twice showed his class."

The Cologne-based Express also looks at the two players who shared the goals and assists: "Internationals Brandt and Volland set up goals for each other to secure victory." Furthermore: "Above all, it was Jogi's duo Julian Brandt (20) and Kevin Volland (24) who steadied the Bayer ship. The Germany internationals scored the two goals with each providing an assist for the other. First it was Brandt on 15 minutes who rounded off a textbook counter-attack via Baumgartlinger, Bellarabi and finally Volland… In the second half he got his own back with an assist for his mate Volland. The Bavarian fired the ball from a low cross into the roof of the net in his 150th Bundesliga game to settle the result. In recent weeks Volland has again and again showed his value to Leverkusen. His goal on 55 minutes was his fifth in the last eight Bundesliga fixtures."

"Bayer 04 breaks the deadlock" writes the Rheinische Post in their online edition: "The Werkself were the weakest team of recent weeks before the kick-off with two points from five games. At least Bayer 04 have escaped that label. The 2-0 win at Darmstadt extends the gap to the drop zone."