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

Herbstcamp mit Loreen Bender und Selina Ostermeier
Football Academy - 29.10.2026

Bender and Ostermeier visit Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp

A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.

Show more
Feierlichkeiten mit den Fans nach Abpfiff
DFB-Pokal - 29.10.2026

Werkself review: ‘We never lost our belief’

Once the final whistle was blown, it was time to take a deep breath. 2-0 down and a 5–2 win in the end. It was a nerve-wracking affair against FC Nürnberg in the second round of the 2026–27 DFB Pokal. Jonas Hofmann said – “We didn’t let our heads drop” – hitting the nail on the head. Indeed, it was clear the Werkself were not prepared to accept elimination from the DFB Pokal. So they went on to score. The Black and Reds made their presence felt with a goal just before half-time, followed by four more in the second half. Or, to put it another way: Edmond Tapsoba’s first Bayer 04 brace, a clinical penalty from Patrik Schick, yet another precision strike from Hofmann and a blistering volley from Lucas Vázquez. Each goal more beautiful than the last! After the match, head coach Carles Martínez praised his team’s commitment above all else and the fact that they never lost belief in themselves. The Werkself review.

Show more
TV highlights of 5-2 win against Nürnberg | 2nd round DFB-Pokal
Werkself-TV - 28.10.2026

TV highlights of 5-2 win against Nürnberg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 5-2 win against 1. FC Nürnberg in the second round of the DFB-Pokal 2026/27...

Show more
Die Werkself jubelt!
DFB-Pokal - 28.10.2026

Werkself come from behind to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in DFB Pokal

Bayer 04 came from 2-0 down to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal on Wednesday night. Edmond Tapsoba’s double either side of half-time sparked the turnaround, before Patrik Schick, Jonas Hofmann and Lucas Vázquez ensured progress to the last 16 for the 2024 cup winners.

Show more