
The headline of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger reads "Havertz is Herrlich's hero" and the report continues: "After going 2-0 down, it needed an individual performance from Kai Havertz to get back in touch. The 19-year-old received the ball from a rebound outside the penalty area, he turned and shoot through a crowd of players With laser-like accuracy into the back of the net. Bayer 04 were back in the game… Above all, Julian Brandt took a grip of the game and constantly provided a threat down the wings with his runs. That brought about the equaliser on 64 minutes. The international player broke down the left, crossed into the middle and goalkeeper Renan parried the ball to the feet of the Swede Isaac Kiese Thelin who had an easy tap-in. The Bulgarians were overawed and it demonstrated that the pride of Leverkusen in their big talents is not unjustified. Kai Havertz took control the ball on the edge of the box but this time turn in the other direction and smashed an unstoppable shot into the net with his right foot. The match had been turned round and that was down to the youngest international in the Leverkusen club's history."
And the Kölnische Rundschau noted the performance of Kai Havertz with a star: "Young international Kai Havertz sealed a moral victory for Bayer Leverkusen in the middle of a crisis. The 19-year-old was the outstanding player, with his two goals, in the 3-2 win for the Werkself in the opening fixture in the Europa League away to the Bulgarian serial champions Ludogorets Rasgrad on Thursday."
The Bild Zeitung – no surprise – does not see it any differently: "A brilliant win: Havertz turns it round." The text reads: "Leverkusen are back after coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 away to the Bulgarian team Ludogorets Rasgrad. Leverkusen hit back clinically! Havertz (Bild top mark- 1) twice conjured the ball into the net from the edge of the box (38'/69') – world class!"
The same goes for the Cologne newspaper Express. "Havertz helps Herrlich with a double strike" and it continues "Deep breath, Bayer 04! After the absolute false start in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made amends in the Europa League. Kai Havertz was the man of the match."
Huge compliments in the Kicker: "This revival was down to Kai Havertz who was Leverkusen's most impressive player and he played a decisive role with two goals from outside the box: First, pulling a goal back before the break and then netting the winner with a fine move. Moments that made his captain wax lyrical. 'We were 2-0 down and he plucked up the courage and smashed it with his two goals. He's a great player,' said Lars Bender in praise of the 19-year-old."


The thrilling 3-1 win for Bayer 04 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde is a fond memory for Alejandro Grimaldo, with his brace from free kicks, and coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was in the dugout under the Cross for the first time. Now comes the return fixture in the metropolis on the River Main and after going out of the DFB Pokal and the Champions League, the full focus at Eintracht, currently managed by two interim coaches, is now on the Bundesliga. For their part, the Werkself will do everything in their power to continue the longest winning run against a Bundesliga club. The matchday news.
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Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.
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After back-to-back wins at home, Bayer 04 are now out for their first away win of 2026 as they visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (15:30 CET). Ahead of the Matchday 20 fixture in the Bundesliga, Kasper Hjulmand spoke about renewed confidence, Frankfurt’s recent issues and Patrik Schick’s form so far this year.
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Eintracht Frankfurt are yet to win a game in 2026 and have managed only one victory in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Having already been eliminated from the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League, the Eagles are now focusing solely on the Bundesliga as they seek to get their season back on track with the visit of the Werkself on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponents…
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