What the papers say: 'Deep breaths after hard-earned win'

The Kölner Stadt Anzeiger highlights Larnaca's contribution  to an entertaining game of football: "Arriving as the rank outsiders, Larnaca wanted to take a positive approach to the game. They combined well in the opening stages and left room for Leverkusen on the wings. However, Bayer 04 were unable to use that space effectively. In contrast to the visitors: A cross came in and suddenly Ivan Trickovski found himself one-on-one with Lukas Hradecky and he made no mistake as he converted to give his side a deserved lead on 25 minutes. The Cypriots then proved to be accommodating opponents. They endeavoured to sit on the 1-0 lead but were unable to hold on to it – with so many Spaniards in the team they are clearly not set up for that."

The Kölnische Rundschau came to the following conclusion: "Deep breaths. Five days after the memorable 4-2 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Bayer 04 Leverkusen eventually managed to secure a second win in the group stage of the Europa League."  Kevin Volland, who provided the assists for the third and fourth goals, was quoted as saying: "In the position we're in, every win is good for our heads."

The Bild Zeitung  wrote, 'A win but not brilliant' and the tabloid quoted Rudi Völler: "A hard-earned victory. It was a tough game.  We knew beforehand there wasn't much to win except the three points."

The Westdeutsche Zeitung  emphasises the part played by a Werkself player who has been outstanding for weeks: "Kai Havertz sets Leverkusen on course again." The Kölner Express adopts the same view: "Where would Bayer Leverkusen be without Kai Havertz? The 19-year-old set his team on course for victory against AEK Larnaca from Cyprus. After he was taken off, the Herrlich team had a fright."

The Rheinische Post opted for the headline, 'Werkself win after difficult start'. The report follows: "Bayer 04 fans had to wait 590 days for a home game in European competition. On Thursday night the time had come: The Werkself entertained AEK Larnaca in the Europa League under floodlights. Before the game against the Cyprus cup winners, the sporting managing director Rudi Völler demanded the team send out a signal. They did that – albeit with problems at the start. In the end, the Werkself earned a 4-2 victory."

The Kicker points out Bayer 04  chalked up a win after coming from behind as they did in the first game in Rasgrad: "Bayer 04 Leverkusen had to work hard to secure a second win in the second group match in the Europa League. Against the Cypriot  team AEK Larnaca, the Werkself were behind for much of the first half but were able to turn the game round with a double from substitute Lukas Alario and they ran out deserved winners with a 4-2 scoreline."