"One step away from the final" is the headline in the Kölnische Rundschau, which also points out a weak first half for the Werkself: "From the kick-off, Leverkusen were uninspired, weak in challenges and without a goalscoring opportunity against well-organised visitors. The half-time lead for Union with a header from Marcus Ingvartsen after a double blunder by Sinkgraven (39') was absolutely deserved."
After the restart, "the Werkself body language changed and there was more determination and tempo. " Furthermore: "Bayer have moved a step closer to the longed for title."
The Frankfurter Rundschau (headline: "Bayer battle through") reports: "After half-time, Bayer upped the tempo somewhat but only really got going with the second yellow for Lenz and the introduction of Bellarabi and his prompt equaliser. Just at the right time."
"The strength of the underdogs faded away," was the view of the FAZ in describing the closing stages for Union.
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports the first-half performance of Bayer 04: "Bayer 04 had a huge possession rate, but that only came from moving the ball around their own defensive lines. There were no threatening moves." The dismissal of Union's Christopher Lenz (71') in the closing stages of the cup tie was "a game changer". "The match changed with considerably more space and pacy substitutes Diaby and Karim Bellarabi on the pitch."
The BILD headline in relation to the 1.71-metre tall Leverkusen player Charles Aránguiz: "Aránguiz’ heroic header." The Chilean gave the Werkself a 2-1 lead on 86 minutes with a headed goal. The strike provided "the salvation."
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Germany U19 international Luca Erlein from Hoffenheim. The 19-year-old right-back, who is capable of playing in various defensive positions, has penned a contract until 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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