The top match between last season's fifth- and third-placed teams was "a clash full of intensity and passion," as the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger put it. Both teams " showed after the short preseason that they were in outstanding physical condition and could have won the game. To that extent, the 1-1 draw is a logical and justified result." In contrast to the 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg, the team under head coach Peter Bosz had "taken a step forward in all areas."
The journal picked out Charles Aránguiz as the man of the match and assessed the performance of the Chilean with a high mark of 1.5. The explanation: "The new captain, who rarely speaks, just communicated with his teammates through his performance. With twelve challenges won he prevented a dozen counter-attacks from Leipzig in dangerous situations and was to a large part responsible for Bayer 04 being able to leave the ropes and take the fight to imposing Leipzig side."
The Bild also praises both teams and comes to the following conclusion: "Great game in Leverkusen! The 1-1 draw between Leverkusen and Leipzig may not have produced a winner but there was plenty of goalmouth action – and two fantastic strikes." Commenting on the 20th minute equaliser from Kerem Demirbay: "Demirbay received the ball and unleashed a shot with an incredible trajectory that hit the underside of the bar and went into the net."
The Express saw "Wonder goals and football at the highest level" in a "real top match." The report continues: "The team under coach Peter Bosz produced an impressive performance and were closer to the three points than the visitors from Saxony."
The Rheinische Post describes the first Bundesliga action of the new season at the BayArena as a "classy opening phase between two attacking teams". The 1-1 scoreline was a "draw that nobody could really complain about."
The kicker takes a similar approach to summing up the game: "In an entertaining game full of variety, Leverkusen and Leipzig shared a deserved 1-1 draw. Two unmissable goals crowned a first half that saw RB start strongly and Bayer increasingly dominate later on. There was also end-to-end action in the second half – with chances for victory on both sides."
Once again, well over 100 Werkself fans were delighted to receive an invitation from the club’s record appearance-maker, Rüdiger Vollborn, to the sold-out Schwadbud at the BayArena. This time, the supporters listened as the club historian provided fascinating, exclusive insights into the period from Bayer 04 being founded in 1904 to the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 1979. A journey through time is also planned for the upcoming ‘Rudi lädt ein’ event in early November – this time focusing on the years of the Nazi regime.
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Happy children’s faces at the SSV Lützenkirchen training ground: For the 25th time, the Birkenberg soccer school – organised by SportBund Leverkusen – offered participating youngsters an exciting holiday activity. Meeting a Bayer 04 player has now become a cherished tradition. This time, Ibrahim Maza visited the 150 children and spoke to them about his World Cup experiences, amongst other things. “It’s always lovely to see the children’s enthusiasm for football,” said the 20-year-old, after bringing a sparkle to many eyes with selfies and autographs.
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One day after the successful DFB Pokal first round tie at SV Wehen Wiesbaden (4–0), the mood was understandably really good: Over 400 Bayer 04 supporters gathered on Sunday, 23 August, for the annual fan club meet-up at the BayArena and got in the mood for the new season through direct and informal discussions with Bayer 04 management, head coach Carles Martínez and Werkself players.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-0 win at RB Leipzig on the 1st matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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