The Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung assesses the draw against Schalke as follows: "Just one week after the sheer Sunday pleasure of the 6-1 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt, the daily grind returned for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The Werkself only managed a 1-1 draw against a courageous Schalke team... The draw keeps Leverkusen in fifth place. The dream of fourth place and associated qualification for the Champions League lives on to the last Bundesliga matchday when Bayer play in Berlin."
Bild am Sonntag reports: "Setback for Leverkusen – in the race for the Champions League. Everything was set up for the Bundesliga anniversary at the home game: Choreography, legends like Zé Roberto and Christoph Daum, the pros in specially produced retro shirts – and then only a 1-1 draw against Schalke!" The paper quotes Rudi Völler, managing director sport at Bayer 04, on the performance of referee Aytekin and the action by Schalke's Caligiuri against Julian Baumgartlinger on 77 minutes: "Herr Aytekin today decided to give a penalty whenever a Schalke player fell over in the penalty area. I think everybody in the stadium would have wanted him to look at the incident involving Baumgartlinger too."
The Express describes the impressive opening phase by the Werkself: "Bayer initially applied constant pressure against the background of the celebrations of 40 years in the Bundesliga in their smart retro shirts. Charles Aránguiz hit the bar on twelve minutes and Julian Brandt turned the rebound against the post. Aránguiz, Brandt, Kevin Volland and Lucas Alario missed great chances against a helpless Schalke team before Kai Havertz volleyed in his 16th goal of the season to finally create a 1-0 lead."
The Rheinische Post takes a look at the table ahead of the last matchday: "The situation in the table has become more complicated for the Werkself after the draw. Qualification for the Europa League is certain but fourth place and the Champions League appear to be more unrealistic ahead of the final day of the season. Borussia Mönchengladbach are in a better position as they have a superior goal difference than the Werkself (both on 55 points). Frankfurt are below but they have the game against Mainz on Sunday night (54). Wolfsburg in seventh place (52) only theoretically have a chance of making the top four due to their significantly worse goal difference."
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
