Back
30.11.2018Bayer 04

Schreck debut for the pros, Özcan in the Europa League

Last night, the Werkself took the next step towards winning the group in the Europa league with a 1-1 draw in the home game against Ludogorets. And youngster Sam Schreck can also be happy about the next step: The 19-year-old, who has been in the first team squad at Bayer 04 since the start of the season, made his first appearance for Leverkusen in a competitive match.
Schreck_Paulinho.jpg

The blonde forward was up and down the wings for 73 minutes before making way for Kai Havertz. On 48 minutes,  the Pinneberg-born player, signed from the FC St Pauli youth team in 2016 (50 U19 appearances, 14 goals) plus two recent  U 20 international caps for Germany (one goal), had the first chance in the second half  but his  shot from a tight angle landed just the wrong side of the post. "Sam had a very decent performance," praised Heiko Herrlich after the youngster's first appearance.

50 European games for Lars Bender

And the meeting with Ludogorets was also special for two other players: Ramazan 'Rambo' Özcan was in goal in a Europa League match for the first time. For that reason, the 34-year-old Austrian secured the match ball after the final whistle. Lars Bender (introduced on 63 minutes) made his 50th appearance on the European stage last night –  28 games in the Champions League and 22 in the Europa League. The Werkself skipper has worn the Bayer 04 shirt in all his European matches.

There was a tragic conclusion to the first game of the season for Panagiotis Retsos. The 20-year-old, who suffered a broken hand and a torn right thigh ligament in the pre-season, made his comeback against Ludogorets. Unfortunately, the central defender suffered an injury in a challenge on the half-hour mark and he had to go off with a suspected muscle injury – the exact extent of the injury will be revealed with an MRI scan today.

Related News

Simeon Rapsch mit Kim Falkenberg (r.) und Bernd Korzynietz
Bayer 04 - 09.07.2026

Bayer 04 agree long-term deal with keeper Simeon Rapsch

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch. The Germany youth international goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with the Werkself running to 30 June 2029. The 18-year-old joined Leverkusen from FC Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2024.

Show more
Ken Izekor in Diensten von Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 09.07.2026

Izekor leaves Bayer 04 to join Alemannia Aachen

Ken Izekor is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to join third-tier side Alemannia Aachen with immediate effect. The 19-year-old centre-forward joined the club from Alemannia in 2018, and Izekor is now returning to his hometown.

Show more
Montrell Culbreath gegen RB Leipzig
Bayer 04 - 08.07.2026

Golden Boy Top 100 featuring Culbreath and Co.: Bayer 04 with largest contingent in the Bundesliga

The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.

Show more
crop_imago1079275176.jpg
Bayer 04 - 08.07.2026

World Cup blog: Palacios, Quansah and Grimaldo through to quarter-finals – Tillman scores from free-kick again

The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.

Show more