"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."
This afternoon, Saturday 24 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayer 04 host SV Werder Bremen, who are winless in their last seven league games. Nevertheless, in their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they conceded a late equaliser, the Green and Whites did show their team spirit. The Werkself, led by birthday boy Patrik Schick, will be looking to counter this and secure their first three points of the new year on this ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Read on for the latest information in today's matchday news.
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Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win at 1. FC Union Berlin on the 15th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Despite a severely depleted squad and being a player down, the Bayer 04 Women made a winning start to their 2026 campaign. Coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 2-1 at newly promoted FC Union Berlin on Friday night thanks to a last-minute goal. Vanessa Fudalla scored from a direct free-kick (78') and Kristin Kögel (90+2’) in stoppage time for the Werkself, who were reduced to ten players on 68 minutes, on an atmospheric stage at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. As a result, the Black and Reds are now fifth in the table for at least one night at the start of matchday 15.
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The Werkself are looking for the first win of the new calendar year: Ahead of the sold-out Bundesliga home match against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about taking chances, possible winter transfers and a “Lion" returning to the Leverkusen matchday squad.
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