Following the 1-1 draw in Thursday's semi-final first leg against Chelsea, Frankfurt have every chance of going through to the Europa League final. Eintracht have enjoyed some magical nights in the competition so far beating top European sides Olympic Marseille, Lazio, Inter Milan and, most recently, Benfica. In the midst of this European euphoria, Frankfurt have recently failed to achieve positive results in the league. After an outstanding start to the second half of the season with six wins on the bounce, Eintracht have only picked up two points from the last three games in the league. Nevertheless, Frankfurt are still in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next season for the first time in the club's history. The lead over rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen is currently three points and the Frankfurt club also have a better goal difference than the two teams from the Rhine. But Sunday’s game could still be very significant in determining the outcome of this season's league campaign – including for Bayer 04.
The, at times, thrilling attacking football shown by Frankfurt this season is mainly associated with three players who form a physical and technically impressive offensive trio: Luka Jovic, Ante Rebic and Sebastien Haller. While Rebic missed the first leg against Chelsea due to suspension and is therefore well rested for the game against Bayer 04, Frankfurt have worries about central striker Haller. The Frenchman has been sidelined since the start of April with a stomach muscle injury that may require an operation, and that would mean an early end to his season. To avoid that, Haller has even visited a specialist in Austria. That makes it clear: It is not easy for Frankfurt to replace the striker. Equally important for the intensive game under coach Adi Hütter are the two wingers Filip Kostic (pictured above on the left next to Luka Jovic) and Danny da Costa, who started his career at Bayer 04. Both players are responsible for the whole of their flanks and their dynamism and running ability are key elements in the success of Eintracht this season.
There is a huge question over Haller playing against the Werkself and his power up front has clearly been missing recently. Midfielder Mijat Gacinovic is also sidelined with a muscle problem. In addition to these issues for the squad there is also a lack of vitality due to the large number competitive matches and that has affected Eintracht's recent performances. After Europa League battles that cost nerves and power, Frankfurt have rarely played with freedom in the past few weeks unlike much of the Bundesliga season before that. Players like Rebic, Kostic and da Costa have played in nearly every game and have recently suffered due to a lack of energy. At least the one-match ban for Rebic gives him the chance to rest ahead of the game against Bayer 04.
First, lifting the DFB Cup, now the Europa League semi-finals at least and, under certain circumstances, the first ever qualification for the Champions League next season. There could hardly be more excitement in Frankfurt. The euphoria of the fans has spilled over onto the pitch and the supporters have been a big plus for the team. With this European run and the associated confidence levels, Frankfurt are currently able to win every game – and achieve a lot in the future: Players like Jovic, Rebic and Haller are sought-after and that could bring a lot of money into the club. Eintracht Frankfurt have the potential to be able to compete for European competitions over the long term.
Where Eintracht will end up this season depends to a large extent on the result against the Werkself. If Frankfurt secure an away win then they have every chance of qualifying for the Champions League otherwise it could be a tough battle for the team from Hessen. Mainz, who are already safe, visit the Commerzbank Arena next week but Frankfurt are away to Bayern Munich on the last day of the season with FCB still possibly involved in the title race. Frankfurt would like to have fourth place secured before the last matchday. Therefore, they have to get a positive result on Sunday.
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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Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bringing back Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The Bundesliga club activated the buy-back option in the contract with the Bosnia international, who has enjoyed great success at the Austrian top-flight club since the start of the current season. Alajbegovic moved to Salzburg from the Leverkusen U19s last year. The 1.86-metre forward has signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen with a start date of 1 July 2026.
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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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