Back
30.09.2018Bundesliga

What the papers say: 'A mad game by both teams'

Rarely has a game in the Bundesliga deserved to be called the top match as much as the 4-2 defeat for the Werkself against Borussia Dortmund. The media are unanimous in their reports and analysis.
Weiser.jpg

The online edition of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger comes to the following conclusion: "Borussia Dortmund beat Bayer 04 Leverkusen 4-2 after being two goals down in the Saturday night game and are now top of the table. No other game in the current Bundesliga campaign has had greater entertainment value. Both teams showed the extent of their capabilities on the pitch … Both teams are very young. Bayer 04 displayed their talent for an hour and Borussia Dortmund their class in the second half."
The Sonntags Express highlights the fact that Borussia have taken top spot in the league after this victory. "League leaders, league leaders rang out from the Dortmund supporters on 86 minutes. The Barça loanee Paco Alcacer (25) had just scored to make it 3-2, turning round a mad game for BVB and propelling the Black and Yellows to the top of the table. Just before the end of the game, the toreador made it 4-2 against Bayer Leverkusen ... The BVB gang of rascals - six players in the starting line-up were 23 or younger - had been chasing a 2-0 deficit for an hour beforehand."
That is also the most important outcome of this top game for the Bild am Sonntag: "After Bayern's 2-0 defeat in Berlin, going top of the league was there on a silver platter. And Dortmund struck late on - a 4-2 victory in Leverkusen. New league leaders. A mad game by both teams. At the end Dortmund were as happy as Larry. ...“
In the online edition of the Rheinische Post Julian Brandt faced the question of how the Werkself could lose after taking such a clear lead: "The constant back and to between outstanding and average is now bothering everybody involved. … 'In the first half we did everything we intended to do, we were compact and were careful with our possession and we used our chances well,' said Julian Brandt in his fair summary of the first 45 minutes. … 'After they pulled a goal back, you could detect a certain insecurity running to the team,' declared Brandt.
The Kicker (online) employs the conjunctive case: "It would have been a statement victory. Would have been! After a bumpy start to the season, Bayer Leverkusen flew out of the blocks in the top game against Borussia Dortmund and deservedly took a 2-0 lead with a considered performance  - and they should have gone 3-0 up. In the end, there was a 4-2 defeat - and that came after an improved performance from the visitors how are now a new team at the top of the table."

Related News

Michael Ballack
Bayer 04 - 26.09.2026

Michael Ballack turns 50 – Happy Birthday, Balle!

Former Werkself star Michael Ballack, who won the German Footballer of the Year award in 2002 while playing in Leverkusen, celebrates his 50th birthday on Saturday. Bayer 04 sends him its best wishes!

Show more
Fans im Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion
Women - 25.09.2026

Two more home games on sale: Tickets for Women’s Saturday fixtures now available

Attention Werkself fans: In addition to tickets for the floodlit home match against Werder Bremen, tickets are now also available for the Bayer 04 women’s team’s two subsequent fixtures against Eintracht Frankfurt and Hamburger SV at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. Both matches in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga will take place at family-friendly kick-off times on Saturday afternoons. Here is the latest information on matchday ticket sales.

Show more
Guéla Doué
Bayer 04 - 24.09.2026

Guéla Doué: ‘Really excited for what’s to come’

Guéla Doué’s first 30 minutes in a Bayer 04 shirt during the draw away at Augsburg have definitely made the summer signing eager for more. The 23-year-old may have had to bide his time following his move from Strasbourg due to a muscular injury, but he’s been able to get a good taste of the BayArena atmosphere while watching from the stands in the home wins over Celje and RB Leipzig, as the Ivory Coast international explained in a chat with media representatives. “The fans’ enthusiasm and passion are incredible,” said Doué, looking forward to what lies ahead. The defender also spoke about his plans for a comeback, his teammates and his younger brother Désiré.

Show more
KKV
Business - 23.09.2026

Upgrade at Bayer 04: KKV Kabelverlegung joins Sponsors’ Club as new partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.

Show more
EDO
Business - 23.09.2026

Bayer 04 expand business partnership with EDO Personalservice

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.

Show more