The Bild am Sonntag reports: "Leverkusen have to worry about their Champions League place again after the heavy defeat – and they also lost Jonathan Tah (22) due to a hip problem. Goalkeeper Ramazan Özcan (33) came in for Bernd Leno (knee): 'The result and the way we played – that hurts. That wasn't Bayer Leverkusen today.' Sporting director Rudi Völler (58): 'We were too soft and too naïve. A willing sparring partner for Dortmund.'"
The Cologne-based Express opted for the headline "Bitter evening in Dortmund: Bayer lose out to strong BVB." The article reads: "The hosts took control early on and had two great chances through Götze (9'), still playing for a place in the World Cup squad, and Sancho (12'). However, a shot from the World Cup winner went just wide and Özcan produced a reflex save to deny Sancho's first effort. The 18-year-old went one better a minute later as he scored his first Bundesliga goal after fine work by Christian Pulisic producing a deserved lead against an unsettled Heiko Herrlich team after the 6-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the cup semi-final.
The online edition of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger described the effects of the defeat on the league table: "Bayer 04 Leverkusen lost 4-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga top game on Saturday afternoon. Following the defeat, the Werkself now have to worry about qualification for the Champions League again. BVB are now three points ahead, Hoffenheim in fifth our two points behind." Sporting director Rudi Völler was quoted as saying: "You could see the level of performance BVB are normally capable of."
The analysis in the Kicker reads: "Thanks to a brilliant display from Jadon Sancho, BVB earned a highly deserved 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The 18-year-old Englishman was very busy on the left flank and posed the Werkself with many a (unsolvable) problem. In addition to Sancho, Reus also came up trumps although the Germany international needed a few attempts to get going."
The online edition of the Rheinische Post came to the following conclusion: "The Leverkusen mission for the top game on matchday 31 was clearly defined: On the same points and only in fourth place due to a minimally worse goal difference, the close rivals Borussia Dortmund were to be kept at the same distance to open up wide the path to the Champions League. That failed miserably: Bayer lost 4-0 to a direct competitor for a place in Europe's premier club competition and now have to look out for TSG Hoffenheim who have moved two points closer. Jadon Sancho, Maximilian Philipp and Marco Reus scored for BVB who were on fire in the second half... The only consolation for the Werkself fans is: The remaining fixtures against Stuttgart, Bremen and Hanover are apparently easier. However, it could be very difficult against these teams on current form."
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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