“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.”
The second international break of the 2024/25 season is round the corner. After the Bundesliga clash against Holstein Kiel, 5 October (kick-off 15:30 CEST), several Bayer 04 players will be playing in the next set of UEFA Nations League fixtures, among others. An overview.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without midfielder Synne Skinnes Hansen in the coming weeks. The Norwegian suffered a torn ligament in her right thigh in the match against Carl Zeiss Jena (1-0).
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The video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA) together with the German Football League (DFL) have announced the nominations for the vote for Bundesliga Player of the Month in September – that includes Werkself player Florian Wirtz. Black and Red fans can vote now.
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The Werkself are away to Liverpool on matchday four of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 campaign. The game against the current leaders of the Premier League is on Tuesday, 5 November (kick-off: 21.00 CET). Here is the latest information on ticket sales for the fixture at Anfield.
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