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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.
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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.

 

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