The Bild am Sonntag reports: "Leverkusen have to worry about their Champions League place again after the heavy defeat – and they also lost Jonathan Tah (22) due to a hip problem. Goalkeeper Ramazan Özcan (33) came in for Bernd Leno (knee): 'The result and the way we played – that hurts. That wasn't Bayer Leverkusen today.' Sporting director Rudi Völler (58): 'We were too soft and too naïve. A willing sparring partner for Dortmund.'"
The Cologne-based Express opted for the headline "Bitter evening in Dortmund: Bayer lose out to strong BVB." The article reads: "The hosts took control early on and had two great chances through Götze (9'), still playing for a place in the World Cup squad, and Sancho (12'). However, a shot from the World Cup winner went just wide and Özcan produced a reflex save to deny Sancho's first effort. The 18-year-old went one better a minute later as he scored his first Bundesliga goal after fine work by Christian Pulisic producing a deserved lead against an unsettled Heiko Herrlich team after the 6-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the cup semi-final.
The online edition of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger described the effects of the defeat on the league table: "Bayer 04 Leverkusen lost 4-0 to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga top game on Saturday afternoon. Following the defeat, the Werkself now have to worry about qualification for the Champions League again. BVB are now three points ahead, Hoffenheim in fifth our two points behind." Sporting director Rudi Völler was quoted as saying: "You could see the level of performance BVB are normally capable of."
The analysis in the Kicker reads: "Thanks to a brilliant display from Jadon Sancho, BVB earned a highly deserved 4-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. The 18-year-old Englishman was very busy on the left flank and posed the Werkself with many a (unsolvable) problem. In addition to Sancho, Reus also came up trumps although the Germany international needed a few attempts to get going."
The online edition of the Rheinische Post came to the following conclusion: "The Leverkusen mission for the top game on matchday 31 was clearly defined: On the same points and only in fourth place due to a minimally worse goal difference, the close rivals Borussia Dortmund were to be kept at the same distance to open up wide the path to the Champions League. That failed miserably: Bayer lost 4-0 to a direct competitor for a place in Europe's premier club competition and now have to look out for TSG Hoffenheim who have moved two points closer. Jadon Sancho, Maximilian Philipp and Marco Reus scored for BVB who were on fire in the second half... The only consolation for the Werkself fans is: The remaining fixtures against Stuttgart, Bremen and Hanover are apparently easier. However, it could be very difficult against these teams on current form."
Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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