“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.”
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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