Back
8.03.2020Bundesliga

What the papers say: 'Bayer celebrate magic square'

The Werkself picked up an eleventh win in the past 13 games with the 4-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon. The press focus in particular on double goalscorer Paulinho.
crop_20200307_schueler_b04_sge_1609.jpg

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')."

"Form that reflects potential"

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."

"Field day for Paulinho"

"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.

 

Bewerb_Schwadbud_HomepageMediumRectangle_300x250px_Gladbachvs.jpg

Related News

Preview zur Doku „Fierté Burkinabè“
Bayer 04 - 28.04.2026

Emotional preview of ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ - Tapsoba's parents and close companions from Burkina Faso also at the BayArena

This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.

Show more
Thomas Eichin, Carolin Simon und Achim Feifel
Women - 28.04.2026

Former Germany international Carolin Simon rejoins Bayer 04

Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Achim Feifel mit Lobke Loonen
Women - 27.04.2026

Bayer 04 Women sign Dutch striker Lobke Loonen

Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.

Show more
Jubel nach dem Treffer zum 2:0
Women - 26.04.2026

Bayer 04 Women reach 40 points with comfortable home win over Freiburg

The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.

Show more