After the heatwave of recent weeks, this morning brought much more comfortable temperatures as well as plenty of work for fitness coach Daniel Jouvin: While Heiko Herrlich worked on crosses and headers on a reduced pitch, Charles Aránguiz was back on the training ground for the first time this week.
When the Chilean completed his one-on-one session, his coach 'Giga' moved straight onto the next one: Leon Bailey, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the past few days, was also back on the training ground for the first time. The trip to Valencia comes too early for the pair as well as for goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who also completed an individual session today.
The Werkself fly out to Valencia from Cologne-Bonn Airport on Saturday morning. The friendly at the Estadio Mestalla, that kicks off at 21:30 CET, is the final friendly ahead of the season opener at Pforzheim. The match will be broadcast live on Facebook and on terrestrial TV on Sport 1.
Exciting days for our Jamaican winger: After celebrating his 21st birthday on Thursday, this evening takes him to a special event: The football journal '11 FREUNDE' rated the Jamaican as 'Newcomer of the Season' and the award ceremony takes place tonight at the Flora in Cologne. A familiar face will present the award: Stefan Reinartz will make the laudatory speech .
There was more good news for our new head analyst: Marcel Daum was a father of a son for the second time on Thursday morning. The family of four are all well and we wish them all the best and a great time together.
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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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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