
"The Cup dream of Bayer 04 Leverkusen sank without trace in the mud of Essen," declares the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger at the start of their match report. "The Bundesliga side with big Champions League ambitions and dreams of the title had to accept a 2-1 defeat in extra time against fourth division Rot-Weiss Essen in the DFB Cup Round of 16."
"A football miracle that really hurts Leverkusen," says BILD – and adds: "It should never have gone into extra time. It’s hard to believe it was 0-0 after 90 minutes."
This is unravelled in the Rheinische Post, which presents the following analysis taking account of Leverkusen's 3-5-2 system: "The attacking approach was evident: In the first half-hour alone, the Werkself produced a handful of good chances. But Bayer did not find the back of the net."
"Leverkusen obviously had more and better chances," reports the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Patrik Schick put a header against the post (24'), Charles Aránguiz tested Davari (29') and Moussa Diaby shot just wide in added time in the first half."
The WAZ also highlights the outstanding goalkeeper for the Red and Whites on the night. "Davari continually surpassed himself over the course of the game," praises the newspaper. "He parried Edmond Tapsoba's header (51') and Bailey's low shot (60'). The game was a case of: Davari against Leverkusen. The Regional League side were unable to break free."
In the view of the Frankfurter Rundschau, the Regional League side had "immense luck just before the end of the 90 minutes," when Bayer 04 hit the post twice in one move. "Then came extra time that saw Essen sensationally continue their fairy tale success."
"Bayer appeared to be on course after Bailey's goal," reports the EXPRESS, "But Essen showed incredible morale" – and also survived the final VAR intervention after the winner. "There were heated discussions because Essen's Felix Herzenbruch pulled Jeremie Frimpong's shirt inside his own penalty area. Referee Daniel Schlager (31) looked at the incident on the monitor – and awarded the goal."

Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
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