
Following the home win, the BILD primarily praises the Bayer 04 attack: "Coach Peter Bosz played his Brazilian Paulinho from the start in the league. Together with Kai Havertz, Karim Bellarabi and Moussa Diaby, he overran Eintracht. The quartet provided each other with all four goals." The newspaper also makes a comparison with the VfB Stuttgart "magic triangle": "The all-out attacks are somewhat reminiscent of the 'magic triangle’ at VfB made up of Giovane Elber, Krassimir Balakov and Fredi Bobic. In 1996/97, they scored 49 goals in total and royally entertained the fans."
The Kicker writes about the double goalscorer Paulinho who made his debut in the starting eleven this season against Eintracht Frankfurt: "The second half began in very similar fashion to the first with targeted attacks by Leverkusen. While the would-be goal for 3-0 from Havertz was ruled out due to the provider Diaby being offside (48'), Bayer scored the third goal a minute later: Paulinho cut in from the left and, after a one-two and a back-heel from Bellarabi, he was clear through in the box and then slotted the ball into the net (49')."
The Sunday edition of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "Bayer Leverkusen have found the form in 2020 that reflects the potential of this team of highly talented players. On Saturday, the side coached by Peter Bosz took Eintracht Frankfurt apart according to all the rules of the art of football. The Werkself record in the second half of the season is now six wins, one draw and one defeat. Across all competitions, Leverkusen have won eight out of the last nine fixtures. At the same time, Bayer have not only shown their ability but have also been tactically disciplined and ready to defend all times."
And the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger also highlights Paulinho with the subheading "Man of the Match": "When the almost regular top-flight player from Brazil came to Leverkusen in the summer of 2018, everybody had great expectations. They were disappointed for more than 18 months. The left winger had few chances and when he did play his efforts proved to be unrewarding. After his good performances for the Brazil U23 team in the Olympic qualifiers, it appears a different Paulinho has returned to Leverkusen. With both of the goals, he demonstrated his outstanding ability in finishing. With him in the team, the multi-faceted Werkself attack now has another facet. And Paulinho is only 19."
"Attacking talent Paulinho has been on the pitch for a measly 124 minutes in ten brief appearances for Bayer this season in the league, Champions League and Europa League. On Saturday, he played for the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt – and what a performance it was! The highly talented Brazilian was the man of the match in Leverkusen's thrashing of Eintracht and he had a field day," reported the Express.


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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