"One step away from the final" is the headline in the Kölnische Rundschau, which also points out a weak first half for the Werkself: "From the kick-off, Leverkusen were uninspired, weak in challenges and without a goalscoring opportunity against well-organised visitors. The half-time lead for Union with a header from Marcus Ingvartsen after a double blunder by Sinkgraven (39') was absolutely deserved."
After the restart, "the Werkself body language changed and there was more determination and tempo. " Furthermore: "Bayer have moved a step closer to the longed for title."
The Frankfurter Rundschau (headline: "Bayer battle through") reports: "After half-time, Bayer upped the tempo somewhat but only really got going with the second yellow for Lenz and the introduction of Bellarabi and his prompt equaliser. Just at the right time."
"The strength of the underdogs faded away," was the view of the FAZ in describing the closing stages for Union.
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports the first-half performance of Bayer 04: "Bayer 04 had a huge possession rate, but that only came from moving the ball around their own defensive lines. There were no threatening moves." The dismissal of Union's Christopher Lenz (71') in the closing stages of the cup tie was "a game changer". "The match changed with considerably more space and pacy substitutes Diaby and Karim Bellarabi on the pitch."
The BILD headline in relation to the 1.71-metre tall Leverkusen player Charles Aránguiz: "Aránguiz’ heroic header." The Chilean gave the Werkself a 2-1 lead on 86 minutes with a headed goal. The strike provided "the salvation."
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
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Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
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After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
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