The Werkself made it clear from the start that they wanted to clock up the next three points in the race to qualify for the Champions League. With two changes to the starting line-up, there was initially a lack of clear-cut chances, but the deadlock was broken by the hosts on 18 minutes: Paulinho converted a cross from the outside of the foot of Moussa Diaby to make it 1-0. The Black and Reds continued to dominate proceedings but the strike from Patrik Schick on 35 minutes was ruled offside.
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Eintracht Frankfurt made three changes at half-time but the next goal was scored by Bayer 04: Diaby set up Schick who put his shot through the legs of the SGE keeper Kevin Trapp to double the lead on 51 minutes. The Werkself continued to keep it tight at the back so that the home win at the BayArena was not in danger. HERE is the match report.
Robert Andrich explained after the final whistle: "We played in a very serious and focused way today. We had less possession than Frankfurt but we created good chances in counter-attacks." Striker Sardar Azmoun added: "It was a very important game, we’re happy we won the three points.”
Captain and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, who played Eintracht Frankfurt from 2015 to 2018 before his move to Bayer 04, added: "First of all, I hope we seal a spot in the Champions League and that we meet again in that competition." Frankfurt play West Ham United on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg with the Eagles taking a 2-1 lead into the game from the first leg. Winning that competition would qualify Eintracht Frankfurt for the Champions League next season..
He's done it again: Patrik Schick scored his 22nd goal of the season against Eintracht – and thereby set a record at Bayer 04. No foreign player has ever scored as many goals for the Werkself in a season before now. The Czech Republic international has overtaken the record set by Dimitar Berbatov who scored 21 times in the 2005/06 season. Schick is second in the Bundesliga goalscorer rankings behind Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich/34 goals).
Equally impressive is the return from Diaby: Following his two assists against Eintracht Frankfurt, the France international, alongside his fellow countrymen Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig), is the only Bundesliga player to get into double figures for goals and assists this season. The Leverkusen player now has 12 goals and 11 assists. Carry on, Moussa!
With the return of Robert Andrich and Piero Hincapie, both known for their strength in challenges, the Werkself won over 60% of all challenges. The Black and Reds also had their noses in front in terms of possession (55%) as well as shots on goal (11 to 9)..
That is the headline in the report by the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger that describes a "deserved" win. Five Werkself players also received high marks in their review. The Rheinische Post reports that the Black and Reds succeeded in achieving the target of picking up points rather than just playing attractive football. Qualification for the Champions League is becoming more and more probable with a four-point gap over the team in fifth place..
The Werkself still have two games to play in the current Bundesliga campaign. The last away game game for the Seoane team is on Saturday 7 May at TSG Hoffenheim. The kick-off at the PreZero Arena is at 15.30 CEST. The season ends a week later with the fixture against SC Freiburg. The match at the BayArena on Saturday 14 May also kicks off at 15.30 CEST.
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A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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