"In the 2-0 defeat against the Swiss champions Young Boys Bern, Leverkusen struggled to make amends for the 4-3 defeat in the first leg," is the sober analysis of the Süddeutsche Zeitung..
In the opinion of the BILD, Bayer 04 also went out because "the Swiss champions (three times in succession) are smarter, more convincing on the pitch and therefore deserved to go through."
The Rheinische Post also witnessed a similarly impressive performance from the visitors. "Skilful defending from Bern and focused pressure on the Werkself," was the analysis in the newspaper. "The Bern goalkeeper David von Ballmoos pulled off a fine reflex save to keep out Leon Bailey's shot (15')."
The EXPRESS describes the blow shortly after the restart as follows: "Elia's deflected cross stretched Lomb in the six-yard box more and more. The keeper initially caught the ball with his hands but lacked a firm grip so when he fell backwards he dropped the ball – Jordan Siebatcheu gambled and was left with a simple header into an empty net."
"Bailey could have scored a spectacular leveller," says the Frankfurter Rundschau in describing the minutes after the goal, "his back-heel from four yards out hit the Bern goalkeeper David von Ballmoos square on the chest (56')."
The ensuing efforts of Peter Bosz and his team to turn the game round is described by the Kölnische Rundschau as follows: "The coach dispensed with his back three and brought on striker Lucas Alario in place of central defender Aleksandar Dragovic." However: "It took until the 70 minutes before Alario had a chance but he put the ball wide of the target from four yards out. Three minutes later, Patrik Schick had the opportunity to equalise with a header but was denied by the Bern keeper David von Ballmoos."
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger states, "the perennial Swiss champions had the better plan. They closed Bayer 04 down and attacked with wild abandon. The impressive Christian Fassnacht rounded off a counter-attack to make it 2-0 on 86 minutes."
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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