The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports: "Peter Bosz felt warm all over in the Russian fridge. Being in Europe after the winter break brought a smile to the face of the Bayer Leverkusen coach. 2-0 at Lokomotiv Moscow, the head-to-head turned round, qualification for the Europa League knockout rounds in the bag – the tough battle for the Werkself in temperatures of minus 8 degree proved to be worth it. With the second win on Champions League matchday five, Bayer 04 cannot finish lower than third place in Group D. In Champions League match number 100 for the Werkself, the lead came through an own goal from Lokomotiv Moscow's Rifat Zhemaletdinov (11') – three of Leverkusen's goals to date this term have been scored by the opposition. Sven Bender (54') netted the important second goal for the highly committed visitors with a brilliant volley."
In the individual assessments, Sven Bender ("Solid as concrete in defence and deft with the second goal. Another great game for the defender") and Lukas Hradecky ("Fantastic save on 26 minutes to deny Anton Miranchuk. Thereby erasing the blunder in the home game.") received top marks.
The headline in the Bild Zeitung sums up the hopes the Werkself in perhaps being able to spring a really big surprise on the final matchday in the Champions League: "Own goal madness & Bender rocket: Bayer's dream of a miracle!" The tabloid also looks at the incredible run of own goals in favour of Leverkusen: "The match action after eleven minutes: Lokomotiv's Portuguese player Eder attempts to clear in his own penalty area, hits his team-mate Zhemaletdinov and the ball bounces off his leg into the net to make it 1-0. The own goal madness: Three of the last five Leverkusen goals in the Champions League were own goals (from Lokomotiv's Höwedes and Atlético's Partey). Just this season, Leverkusen opponents have netted seven home goals (three each in the Champions League and the Bundesliga plus one in the DFB Cup). Coach Peter Bosz (56) has kept his promise ('We'll force six to seven own goals')."
Sporting director Simon Rolfes was quoted on the possibility of progressing in the Champions League after losing three games in succession at the start: "I don't know whether our chances are at four or five per cent. Atlético are favourites in the home game against Lokomotiv but there are always crazy stories in football. Even if the situation is as it is – it's important for us to produce a fantastic performance against Juve. We beat Atlético at home and we can also beat Juve at home."
The Rheinische Post focuses on the off the pitch events: "The people responsible for marketing at Lokomotiv Moscow came up with something special for the clash with Bayer Leverkusen. In front of the RZD Arena, there was a 'German market' for the fans – with goulash, sausages, cabbage stew, pretzels and Glühwein. In addition, there was a brass band. The Werkself players probably didn't catch much of the folklore activity. Their job was to beat the team from the Russian capital by more than 2-1 to make up for the 2-1 defeat on matchday one and to secure third place in Group D that would guarantee being in a European competition after the winter break. With success: The match in the Moscow icebox was won 2-0 by the visitors. A win against Juventus in the final game would be enough to reach the Round of 16 if Atlético Madrid slip up against Lokomotiv Moscow."
The Kicker praises the scorer of the second goal: “Thanks to Bender: Bayer are in Europe." The report continues: "The moment the ball was released, Bender, who was ready to pounce, moved forward and skilfully hit the chipped pass from Charles Aránguiz into the top right corner. ‘The ball was hanging in the air – I just hit it,' said the defender, actually in the side to prevent goals being scored.'Fantastic goal,' said sporting director Simon Rolfes.' Sometimes it happens that defenders don't take time to think but just hit the ball instead.'"
The new eSports season is just around the corner. The VBL Club Championship by WOW starts on Thursday 15 October (from 18:00 CEST). And, as every year, here’s an overview: What changes are there? What is staying the same?
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Bayer 04 record-appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn invites you to another evening in the popular ‘Rudi lädt ein’ series: on Tuesday 10 November, in collaboration with Bayer AG, the focus will be on the Nazi period. The focus will be on football, Bayer 04 and the city of Leverkusen.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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