What the papers say: ‘No problems in Paderborn’

Dominance and desire

“Werkself emerge from hibernation,” is the headline in the Kölner-Stadt-Anzeiger and the report on the game at the Benteler Arena reads: “The meeting of two attacking sides was guaranteed to be spectacular: SC Paderborn against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The tempo and the work rate of the promoted team against the dominance and desire of the former Champions League participants. The previous fixture in the Bundesliga produced a chaotic 3-2 win for Leverkusen and the Werkself also won 1-0 in the DFB Cup. And the third meeting delivered the promise of both teams: Goals. In the first game of the second half of the season at Paderborn, the Werkself clocked up a deserved 4-1 victory with an impressive display in the first half. Thanks to the win, Leverkusen remain in the Europa League position of sixth just two points behind the targeted Champions League slots.”

Dream start to the second half of the season

The Kölnische Rundschau sees the game as follows: “Bayer Leverkusen, at times playing frenetic attacking football, made a dream start to the second half of the season and are still in the running to finish in a Champions League qualification spot. ...The gap to fourth is just two points.”

Making a mark

The Kicker comes to the following conclusion: “Bayer 04 Leverkusen were successful on the first Bundesliga matchday of 2020 with a deserved 4-1 win at SC Paderborn. The Werkself made their mark on the game from the start and the striker Volland ensured they were clearly on top before the break. The hosts lacked the necessary efficiency in the second half in spite of a clear improvement in performance.”

Double trouble for Paderborn

The Bild Zeitung refers to the absence of the Bayer 04 sporting managing director in Paderborn in their headline: “Volland’s goals help the poorly Völler.” The report continues: “Comfortable away victory! Leverkusen win 4-1 at Paderborn and keep in touch with the Champions League spots. As Kevin Volland (27) scored the first headed double in his career to date. And Volland looks after Völler! The sporting boss reported sick in the morning of the game and he watched the win at home laid up with gastroenteritis. Leverkusen made the better start. Kai Havertz missed the target when unmarked (3’). Then there 161 seconds of shock for Paderborn! A Leverkusen counter-attack via the pacy 15 million man Moussa Diaby who waited and then crossed for the completely unmarked Kevin Volland. 1-0 with a header (11’). Two minutes later, Demirbay picked out Havertz with a free kick. He went to the byline and centred. Volland was there again to head home (13’). 2-0. The first two headed goals for the striker who now has scored seven goals this term. Leverkusen only scored one goal with a header in the whole of the first half of the season – and now two at once against the bottom-placed club.”

Living up to the role of favourites

The Rheinische Post reports under the headline “No problems for Bayer in Paderborn”: “It was the third win of the season for Leverkusen against the team coached by Steffen Baumgart – albeit the first by a clear margin. Neither the 3-2 win at the start of the season nor the 1-0 victory in the second round of the DFB Cup presented the Werkself with any problems against the promoted club. The visitors lived up to the role of favourites on Sunday night as they quickly dominated the game. Above all, Kevin Volland.”