This team has no time to lose: After the Werkself took a 2-0 lead after eight minutes in the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach, they also secured an early double blow at FC Augsburg with own goals from Iago (3') and Niederlechner (14'). Niederlechner's goal on the half-hour mark and a stronger Augsburg phase after the half-time break were countered by Leverkusen with goals from Patrik Schick (75’) and Florian Wirtz (81’). HERE is the match report.
It is always good to go into the first international break of the season on the back of a win like that. "Compliments to the team for their spirit" was the view of coach Gerardo Seoane and he added after the game at the WWK Arena: "We got stuck into challenges and our transition play was good. Fortune was on our side with the two own goals. In the second half we were able to bring on quality and that helped us."
And comments from Bayer 04 players also spoke volumes. "I'd be happy to play the next game on Tuesday or Wednesday," said Kerem Demirbay, who praised the "variable and versatile" performance of the team. Jeremie Frimpong conveyed this message on social media: “Nice way to head into the break!”
Werkself supporters were pretty unanimous in their vote for Man of the Match: Over 1,100 people on Twitter took part in the vote that saw Patrik Schick race ahead: The scorer of the important goal for 3-1, who also hit the bar and played an important part in the opening goal, picked up 44% of the votes. That put him ahead of Florian Wirtz (24%), Jeremie Frimpong (16%) and Kerem Demirbay (15%).
At the age of 18 years, three months and 25 days, Florian Wirtz is the youngest player in the history the Bundesliga to score seven goals. Wirtz, just called up to Germany squad by coach Hansi Flick, takes over from the previous record holder Timo Werner.
The clash at Augsburg is similar to the previous match against Borussia Mönchengladbach in terms of numbers: Some statistics show a balanced game but with the most crucial factor, the number of goals scored, the Werkself were clearly ahead. This time both teams were identical in terms of shots on goal (14:14) as well as in the number of challenges (50 per cent). The Werkself were on top in terms of possession (58:42 per cent) as well as the pass completion rate (85:78 per cent).
In the online edition of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger attention is drawn to a run of unbeaten matches without equal: "Bayer 04 were able to extend an impressive run against Augsburg with not one defeat in the 21 Bundesliga meetings to date." Also the best return in the league are the five goals scored by Leverkusen in the opening 15 minutes. The Kicker chose the following outline for their online report: "Bayer sink FCA" and they witnessed an "extremely entertaining match." The Rheinische Post assessment of the first half in their online edition was "a half full of curiosities and high points" and they talked about "slapstick on the pitch" with the two Augsburg own goals plus the failed attempt to clear by Mitchel Bakker ahead of the goal making it 2-1.
After the first home game against Gladbach, the second match for the Werkself at the BayArena brings another big match in the west: Bayer 04 entertain Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 11 September with the kick-off at 15.30 CEST. The team under new coach Marco Rose started with home wins against Eintracht Frankfurt (5-2) and, on Friday, against TSG Hoffenheim (3-2) but they lost out on matchday two away to SC Freiburg (1-2). An attacking encounter between B04 and BVB would not be much of a surprise as both teams joined Bayern Munich as the most prolific teams in the league with nine goals from three games.
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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