“Bayer Leverkusen upset Leipzig” reads the headline in the Kölnische Rundschau and the report talks about an “an important point in the battle for a European qualification spot” from a Bayer 04 perspective.
“When the second-placed team plays the side in fifth place, when one of the strongest home teams in the league meets on of the most successful away clubs with seven wins to date – then you can expect an exciting games,” writes the FAZ on the pre-match situation. “It often enough remains an expectation and the whole thing proves to be a disappointment because the tactical circumstances frustrate everything from the start. That fear is within bounds whenever Bayer Leverkusen are in the game,” comments the newspaper. “As Bayer coach Peter Bosz had no intention of sitting back in his own half against RB and just wait for the chance to play on break: Bayer were strong in challenges and they tried to force Leipzig into giving the ball away.”
That tactic paid dividends in the opening 30 minutes and was justifiably rewarded as the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports: “Amiri won (…) the ball in his own half and set up Havertz. The Germany international brilliantly picked out Leon Bailey in the middle – the Jamaican rounded off the great attack to make it 1-0.”
The Süddeutsche Zeitung describes the opening goal as “richly deserved for Leverkusen, who looked more alert as they again and again breached gaps in the Leipzig line-up.” However, the 1-0 lead did not last long as the SZ goes on to report: “In spite of a below par display up to that point, Julian Nagelsmann’s team only needed two minutes and seven seconds to level the scores. Schick scored with a header from a free kick (32’).”
The match analysis in the kicker reads as follows: “After just a few minutes, Bayer regained their confidence (…). After the restart, Leverkusen to hold on to possession and move the ball around to deny Leipzig the opportunity to mount dangerous counter-attacks.” The sports journal continues: “Bayer had relatively little trouble in keeping the, at times, wayward hosts away from their goal.” The conclusion is: “Leverkusen came close to winning.”
The assessment of the Rheinische Post is equally positive. Above all the defence, who kept the top-class Leipzig attack at bay, received a lot of praise. For example, Wendell who “at times taking risks and at others with great care, defused several critical situations,” Edmond Tapsoba was “impressive again” and Jonathan Tah “played some good passes in opening up the game.” Lukas Hradecky also received praise for his “great” save to deny Nkunku shortly after the restart.
An interesting piece of evidence for Leverkusen’s impressive dominance is in the BILD with a look at the hosts from Leipzig. Just 40 per cent possession, RB have only once had less of the ball this season (in the 1-1 draw with Bayern on matchday four).” The tabloid sums up: “Leverkusen’s run continues!” To support that contention, the BILD provides another statistic: “The record from the last eleven games: Nine wins, one draw and just one defeat.”
The EXPRESS tales a look at the table and reports: “The Champions League positions are in immediate reach again.” At the end of the report, the paper looks forward: “Bayer now focus on Wednesday night’s cup quarter-final against Union Berlin for the first time.”
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show moreAn average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the details for the first five matchdays in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Read on for details of the fixtures.
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