The top match between last season's fifth- and third-placed teams was "a clash full of intensity and passion," as the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger put it. Both teams " showed after the short preseason that they were in outstanding physical condition and could have won the game. To that extent, the 1-1 draw is a logical and justified result." In contrast to the 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg, the team under head coach Peter Bosz had "taken a step forward in all areas."
The journal picked out Charles Aránguiz as the man of the match and assessed the performance of the Chilean with a high mark of 1.5. The explanation: "The new captain, who rarely speaks, just communicated with his teammates through his performance. With twelve challenges won he prevented a dozen counter-attacks from Leipzig in dangerous situations and was to a large part responsible for Bayer 04 being able to leave the ropes and take the fight to imposing Leipzig side."
The Bild also praises both teams and comes to the following conclusion: "Great game in Leverkusen! The 1-1 draw between Leverkusen and Leipzig may not have produced a winner but there was plenty of goalmouth action – and two fantastic strikes." Commenting on the 20th minute equaliser from Kerem Demirbay: "Demirbay received the ball and unleashed a shot with an incredible trajectory that hit the underside of the bar and went into the net."
The Express saw "Wonder goals and football at the highest level" in a "real top match." The report continues: "The team under coach Peter Bosz produced an impressive performance and were closer to the three points than the visitors from Saxony."
The Rheinische Post describes the first Bundesliga action of the new season at the BayArena as a "classy opening phase between two attacking teams". The 1-1 scoreline was a "draw that nobody could really complain about."
The kicker takes a similar approach to summing up the game: "In an entertaining game full of variety, Leverkusen and Leipzig shared a deserved 1-1 draw. Two unmissable goals crowned a first half that saw RB start strongly and Bayer increasingly dominate later on. There was also end-to-end action in the second half – with chances for victory on both sides."
Newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg will begin the 2026/27 season as Bundesliga club number 59. The Saarland club start their first Bundesliga campaign at home to the Werkself on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST) at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, which is currently being rebuilt. For one Leverkusen player in the ‘Elv’ line-up, the clash will be a special reunion. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Ernest Poku is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to play in the Turkish Süper Lig. The club has loaned the Dutch winger to Beşiktaş for one year. If certain criteria are met, the Istanbul club – who finished fourth in the Turkish top flight last season – will be obliged to make the move permanent.
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The fixture details for the Bayer 04 Women’s first match in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been confirmed: As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday morning, the Leverkusen Women will face second-tier side FC Viktoria Berlin in the first round on Sunday 27 September at 14:00 CEST.
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40 years of European nights, unforgettable moments and great stories. With the new European jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and kit supplier New Balance are celebrating the club’s history in European competitions under the epic slogan ‘40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.’ The European jersey is now available from the Bayer 04 web shop and the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
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Here we go: the Bayer 04 European jersey has landed, and the draw for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League is coming up tomorrow. To mark the start of the 2026/27 European campaign, Bayer 04 are hosting an autograph session on Friday afternoon, 28 August, from 15:00 to 15:30 CEST at the Fanwelt, with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio. Brian the Lion will also be there.
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