While the five Bayer 04 players at the Euros all picked up three points for openers, the two Leverkusen players at the Copa América shared the points, the clash between Argentina with Exequiel Palacios and Chile with Charles Aránguiz ended all square at 1-1 after 90 minutes. Our number 25 came on for the Albiceleste on 68 minutes; Werkself captain Aránguiz went the full distance. The goals were scored by Lionel Messi (33') and the former Hoffenheim player Eduardo Vargas (57').
The next matches for the black and red duo take place this week: Chile play Bolivia on Friday, 18 June at 23.00 CEST, and Argentina take on Uruguay three hours later. The fifth team in Group A is Paraguay; four of the five teams from the two groups will go through.
Aleksandar Dragovic’s participation in Austria's opening match in the Euros against North Macedonia (3-1) ended at half-time. The central defender, who will play for Red Star Belgrade next season, suffered a cut from an elbow during the first half. As announced by the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), the 30-year-old suffered a "double contused lateral wound to the right eye". Dragovic did have stitches but there was no sign of concussion according to ÖFB. Accordingly, he will now take part in individual recovery training.
Patrik Schick could hardly have had a better opening afternoon at the Euros. The 25-year-old Werkself centre-forward netted a brace for the Czech Republic in the 2-0 win against Scotland. Our number 14 first scored with his head and then with an incredible long-range shot from the halfway line – the unofficial title of the "best goal of the Euros" would appear to be heading his way. For anybody who missed it, you can see the goal again HERE. And anybody who has seen it: Just have a look at it again…
The victorious Leverkusen Euro quintet do not have much time to celebrate – the action continues almost straightaway. On Wednesday, 16 June (kick-off: 15.00 CEST), Finland with goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and striker Joel Pohjanpalo take on Russia. The day after that, Dragovic and Julian Baumgartlinger are with Austria for the game against the Netherlands (kick-off: 21.00 CEST). Then on Friday there is a meeting between Schick's Czech Republic and Croatia (kick-off: 18.00 CEST). Good luck for the rest of the tournament, lads!
Away from the pitch to another very important social issue: blood donation. As part of the World Blood Donor Day, Bayer 04 are supporting the campaign #missingtype run by the German Red Cross (DRK). Join in, donate blood and save lives. Click HERE to register (in Germany).
Moreover: As the blood donation session at the BayArena last year was a complete success, Bayer 04 will again organise the event at the Werkself home ground – this year on 5 August. More information will be available over the course of the week at bayer04.de.
Finally, we have a very special auction for you: At United Charity you have the opportunity up to 27 June to bid for football boots worn and signed by Lars and Sven Bender. HERE is the auction for the boots worn by Lars, HERE for Sven's.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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