"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."
It's finally Champions League time again! Under the motto 'Sound of Dreams', the Werkself's European journey begins on Thursday 18 September (kick-off 18:45 CEST) at FC Copenhagen. The Danes relied on their experience and solid defence in particular to come through qualifying. Nevertheless, their record against German teams is not good, and Bayer 04 also have positive memories of their previous two encounters with FCK. The Matchday News rounds up all the info on the match.
Show moreThe opener in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26: On Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), the Werkself will kick off the new UCL campaign at FC Copenhagen. Ahead of the clash, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about his return to Parken, the Danish record champions' home ground. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, for his part, was looking forward to his first Champions League game.
Show moreBayer 04's new coach Kasper Hjulmand will kick off the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in his home country: The Danish double winners FC Copenhagen welcome the Werkself to the Parken Stadium on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST/live on DAZN). Hjulmand not only knows the stadium, but also some of the FC Copenhagen players from his time as the Denmark coach. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreBayer 04 are away to FC Copenhagen on the first matchday of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The game against the Danish record champions is on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST) at the Parken Stadium. Ahead of the match, here are some travel tips from Bayer 04 partner weloveholidays for all travelling fans of the Werkself.
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