The kicker makes special mention of winter signing Exequiel Palacios. The Argentinian played "a key role" in his "decent" debut. And in further comment on the holding midfielder: "The international could play alongside Demirbay in what would be an even more significant role against BVB. Not just alongside one but also three strategists (Aránguiz, Baumgartlinger, Demirbay, ed.). Not a problem as Palacios was the main man on the pitch at River Plate as the focus in midfield."
The specialist sports journal also uses Kai Havertz' words as a headline: "That was unnecessarily exciting." The analysis of the Werkself win reads: "The 2-1 win keeps Bayer in this competition – but the Werkself showed no sign of domination against the second division side. Little structure, no recognisable desire, a lack of seriousness – Bayer actually needed an own goal from the opposition, in fact the eighth of the season, a fortunate strike from Alario and all the luck in the world when an unmarked Mateo Klimowicz missed the chance to equalise with one minute to play."
In the individual analysis in the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, the Argentinian striker, and yesterday's goalscorer, Lucas Alario came out on top. The reasoning: "He would have scored the opening goal if Havertz hadn't made his header in the first half into an offside goal, with the second goal Havertz let the ball run." Jonathan Tah, who came on for the second half, was also highlighted, ("Definitely a security factor in the Bayer defence").
The Kölnische Rundschau identifies "carelessness" as a "constant companion" of Bayer 04. In addition to that: "Leverkusen should actually have had enough of this unnecessary experience that is in complete contrast to the promise of their talent."
The Rheinische Post comes to the following conclusion: "Bayer struggled through to the quarter-finals. In the first half, the hosts were slow, lacked precision and ideas. Bayer did not give the impression that it was an all-or-nothing match in the clash with the promotion candidates from Baden-Württemberg.
It was the visitors from Stuttgart's turn after the restart. Nicolas Gonzales beat substitute Jonathan Tah but was unable to get past the Bayer keeper Lukas Hradecky (48'). After the big chance for the visitors, Bayer looked more committed without creating many goalscoring opportunities. In the end, the Werkself needed the help of the Stuttgart keeper for the opening goal."
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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