The team in third place have a two-point lead over the Black and Reds, currently lying fifth in the table with 50 points. “We can take an important step forward tomorrow and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” declared head coach Peter Bosz at today’s virtual press conference. As with the 4-1 away win at Werder Bremen, the Dutchman has to make do without his captain Lars Bender (foot injury) in Mönchengladbach.
Striker Kevin Volland returned to training for the first time this week after his ankle ligament injury. But tomorrow’s game has come too early for him,” said Bosz. “We’ll have to wait and see when he can get back.” All the other players are available.
Werkself head coach Bosz said Mönchengladbach have, up to now, had an “impressive season. They’re a good team.” However, the 56-year-old is banking on his team’s strengths against the in-form side under coach Marco Rose. Bosz added: “We’re up for it. We were before the coronavirus pandemic and we are now. We were good against Bremen and our positional play was better in the second half.”
In preparation for tomorrow’s clash, the Bayer 04 group underwent the obligatory coronavirus tests this morning and a training session is on the agenda this afternoon. The players, coaches and staff will then return to the Leverkusen team hotel.
Kai Havertz, the scorer of two goals at Werder Bremen, is obviously set to play. After the last game, Bosz talked about the 20-year-old, saying he “didn’t have his best game.” Asked about that statement, the head coach today said: “I always try to get the best out of my players. I know Kai can do better. I always expect the best from my players and if there is room for improvement, then perhaps I’m more critical than journalists. If you have the quality that Kai has then you shouldn’t be easily satisfied – neither him nor me as the coach.”
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the match
Bayer 04 and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer have shown great commitment to the community as the sale of custom-designed T-shirts for charity in the Fanwelt as part of the “BarmeniaGothaer Brings Joy campaign raised a good €5,000. Bayer 04 matched this sum with an equal contribution. As a result, a total of €10,000 was presented to Edmond Tapsoba for his foundation ahead of the home match against Hamburg. The foundation supports people facing challenging daily circumstances in his home country of Burkina Faso.
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Bayer 04 host Hamburg at the BayArena for the first time since September 2017 on the final day of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season on Saturday (15:30 CEST). HSV are safe in their first campaign back in the top flight after back-to-back wins, but Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 19 games against promoted teams as they go for the victory they need to have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. There’s also heavy discounts on food and drinks at the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 fixture in our matchday news.
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As well as previously confirmed departures, Bayer 04 Women will also say goodbye to Vanessa Haim and Shen Menglu before Sunday’s final game of the season at home to Werder Bremen as the pair leave Leverkusen upon the expiration of their contracts.
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The last competitive match of the 2025/26 season takes place at the BayArena on Saturday 16 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), where Hamburger SV are the visitors. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand discussed the mindset and the approach for the crucial final game against HSV, among other topics.
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