Back
26.02.2021Europa League

What the papers say: 'Leverkusen struggle in vain'

The media are of one voice following the exit from the Europa League: Bayer 04 lost out to an opponent who deserved to go through.
crop_20210225_JS_B04_YB_1184.jpg

"In the 2-0 defeat against the Swiss champions Young Boys Bern, Leverkusen struggled to make amends for the 4-3 defeat in the first leg," is the sober analysis of the Süddeutsche Zeitung..

In the opinion of the BILD, Bayer 04 also went out because "the Swiss champions (three times in succession) are smarter, more convincing on the pitch and therefore deserved to go through."

"Skilful defending from Bern"

The Rheinische Post also witnessed a similarly impressive performance from the visitors. "Skilful defending from Bern and focused pressure on the Werkself," was the analysis in the newspaper. "The Bern goalkeeper David von Ballmoos pulled off a fine reflex save to keep out Leon Bailey's shot (15')."

The EXPRESS describes the blow shortly after the restart as follows: "Elia's deflected cross stretched Lomb in the six-yard box more and more. The keeper initially caught the ball with his hands but lacked a firm grip so when he fell backwards he dropped the ball – Jordan Siebatcheu gambled and was left with a simple header into an empty net."

"Spectacular back-heel effort" without success

"Bailey could have scored a spectacular leveller," says the Frankfurter Rundschau in describing the minutes after the goal, "his back-heel from four yards out hit the Bern goalkeeper David von Ballmoos square on the chest (56')."

The ensuing efforts of Peter Bosz and his team to turn the game round is described by the Kölnische Rundschau as follows: "The coach dispensed with his back three and brought on striker Lucas Alario in place of central defender Aleksandar Dragovic." However: "It took until the 70 minutes before Alario had a chance but he put the ball wide of the target from four yards out. Three minutes later, Patrik Schick had the opportunity to equalise with a header but was denied by the Bern keeper David von Ballmoos."

The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger states, "the perennial Swiss champions had the better plan. They closed Bayer 04 down and attacked with wild abandon. The impressive Christian Fassnacht rounded off a counter-attack to make it 2-0 on 86 minutes."

Related News

Fernando Carro
Social Commitment - 05.12.2025

Fernando Carro and Stefan Kießling at the Day of Volunteering in the BayArena

As part of the joint commitment of Bayer 04 and the City of Leverkusen to volunteering, the annual Volunteer Day took place in the 19nullvier Lounge at the BayArena. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, Stefan Hebbel, Mayor of the City of Leverkusen, and club representative Stefan Kießling praised the commitment of the 200 or so volunteers from the region in attendance and thanked them for their impressive efforts.

Show more
Cornelia Kramer zurück im Training
Women - 04.12.2025

Kramer and Repohl set to return to squad: Women host RB Leipzig

After three defeats in a row, the Bayer 04 Women are aiming to get back on track against RB Leipzig. In the home game on Saturday (14:00 CET) at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, coach Roberto Pätzold will probably be able to count on two key players recently sidelined due to injury.

Show more
Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga
Women - 04.12.2025

Women's Bundesliga: 14 top-flight clubs form FBL e.V.

The clubs in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga will set up the Frauen-Bundesliga FBL e.V. On 10 December. The clubs have joined together to open a new chapter in the history of German women's football.

Show more
Ulf Kirsten
Bayer 04 - 04.12.2025

Goals for eternity: Ulf Kirsten turns 60

In his 13 years as a professional player at Bayer 04, the honorary captain and record goalscorer made 446 appearances scoring 238 goals along the way. Many of them remain unforgotten, including his header to win the DFB Pokal in 1993. Ulf Kirsten celebrates his 60th birthday today Thursday - and Bayer 04 are happy to take this opportunity to look back on some of the former number nine’s special goals and games. But first of all: Happy Birthday, dear Ulf!

Show more