In addition to the games against lower league clubs like the two recent matches against SC Verl (1-1) and Delbrücker SC (4-0) plus Friday’s friendly at TuS Koblenz (18.30 CET) and the benefit match on 9 August away to Offenbacher Kickers, Roger Schmidt’s players will also be able to get match practice against quality European opposition. Both FC Porto, who Bayer 04 meet at the Belkaw Arena in Bergisch Gladbach on Wednesday 27 July at 18.00 CET, and Real Sociedad from San Sebastian, opponents for the season launch at the BayArena on Saturday 13 August, are also top European clubs like Fiorentina. The Lilies from Tuscany finished fifth in Serie A last term and are in the Europa League in the coming campaign. The two-time Italian champions are coached by the Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa who was at Borussia Dortmund as a player.
Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
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