The Kölnische Rundschau reports a "huge step" in the direction of the next round and assesses the clash with Be’er Sheva as "one-sided" in favour of the Werkself. Furthermore: "Leverkusen took hold of the reins and forced their game on the defensive Israelis."
The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger reports a "job done." The 90 minutes at the BayArena were "chilly and tough.". The performances of the captain Jonathan Tah and starting eleven returnee Patrik Schick were rated 2.5, Leon Bailey was able to enjoy getting a 2 – the best assessment of the night.
The headline in the Bild Zeitung reads: "Bayer almost through", the Round of 32 "as good as achieved." Looking at the goal scored by Schick, who has been sidelined for several weeks due to injury, the tabloid opts for these words: "All is SCHICK in the Europa League too!"
The Werkself goals? Comments include "beautifully worked," a "great free kick" – and "a goal for Diego.” After coming on as a substitute, Lucas Alario rounded off the scoring at 4-1. Before kick-off, the centre forward warmed up in a top with a number 10 and the name Maradona on it in memory of the Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 60.
The Rheinische Post starts its reporting with a look at the Black and Red injury list. "Even without seven first-team players, the team under coach Peter Bosz cleared the hurdle without any problems." The Werkself now have "one foot in the Round of 32." The newspaper uses the adjectives "easy", "commanding", "dominant" and "one-sided" to describe the third win in the fourth group match for Bayer 04.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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