The Welt am Sonntag headline reads: ‘Leverkusen scrape to victory’ and the report states: “Leverkusen made hard work of it, particularly in attack. Lucas Alario converted a penalty on 26 minutes to open the scoring but Heiko Herrlich’s team then failed to extend their lead. Again and again, the Werkself floundered on Pforzheim’s defence, their own inability and the bar.”
The Bild am Sonntag quotes the Bayer 04 coach Heiko Herrlich: “I’m glad we’ve overcome this hurdle. We made it very difficult for ourselves.”
The online edition of the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger describes the incident leading to the injury to Julian Baumgartlinger: “Baumgartlinger carelessly lost possession in the opposition half. In his attempt to stop a counter-attack and make amends for his own mistake, the Austrian got his feet caught up on an absurd surface for a DFB fixture and he twisted his left knee. Baumgartlinger, who was full of ambition for the new campaign after an excellent pre-season, was carried off on a stretcher.”
The football analysis in the Stadt Anzeiger reads: “Bayer 04 found it hard going both on a terrible playing surface and against an aggressive and defensive opponent. Due to more chances and 80 per cent possession, Leverkusen did earn the win.” Goalkeeper Ramazan Özcan was named the Bayer 04 man of the match: “He stopped the Werkself going behind with an impressive save (23’) and prevented an equaliser (90’) and he was also always alert. Luck was on his side when Dominik Salz hit the outside of the post (73’).”
The online assessment of the Rheinische Post reads: “Bayer struggled against the defence of the rank outsiders. The difference in leagues was evident in the opening stages with 95 per cent of the action taking place in the Pforzheim half.”
The Nerazzurri are in town: Today, Tuesday 10 December, Bayer 04 entertain the reigning champions of Italy Inter Milan on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Read on for the latest information on the home game at the BayArena.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 U19 team lost 1-0 to Inter Milan on the sixth and final matchday in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2024/25. The only goal of the game was scored just after the hour mark. While the side from North Italy have finished top in the league phase with a maximum points return, the Leverkusen team appeared to have just missed out on the knockout stages of the European competition. There is faint hope looking to several games to follow where results are needed to go the way of the Werkself.
Show moreItalian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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