“No miracle of Bern despite comeback”– the press again and again refer to the history of the venue after the clash at the legendary Wankdorf Stadium in Bern. Germany were the surprise winners of the 1954 World Cup final in the Swiss capital. The headline mentioned above is followed in the Bild by the view: “A debacle threatened. Then came a crazy comeback.”
“Debacle” because the Werkself were 3-0 down at half-time after goals scored by Christian Fassnacht (3’), Jordan Siebatcheu (19’) and Meschack Elia (44’). “Crazy comeback,” as the visitors showed great resolve in the second half in fighting back to get on level terms within just 20 minutes. Patrik Schick with a brace (49’, 52’) and Moussa Diaby (68’) netted for the Black and Reds.
The Kölnische Rundschau headline reads, “Role reversal at the Wankdorf Stadium.” And furthermore: “Bayer 04 Leverkusen prevented the next setback at this historic venue and have every chance of reaching the Round of 16 in the Europa League despite a desolate first half.” In the second leg on Thursday, 25 February (kick-off: 21.00 CET) a win with less than three goals conceded is required at the BayArena.
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports that the Bayer 04 comeback went unrewarded on the night. In relation to the opening stages of the game, the paper writes: “Young Boys created a breathtaking number of dangerous moments from open play. […] Bayer 04 escaped unharmed from several counter-attacks due to a combination of luck and squandered opportunities by Bern.”
After last weekend’s 2-2 draw in the Bundesliga home game against FSV Mainz 05, the media were already talking a about a rollercoaster ride. The Werkself have so far constantly switched between victories and setbacks in 2021. The Rheinische Post also takes up this theme in their review of the Europa League tie – this time just in relation to the one match: “If the team under coach Peter Bosz want to stay in the competition then they have to win. That it will not be easy is clear after the rollercoaster ride in the first leg.”
Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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