When Atletico Madrid arrive at the Cologne/Bonn Airport on Tuesday afternoon (5 November), above all their central striker can step onto German soil in confident mood. Until he scored against the Werkself, Morata had only found the back of the net once in the Spanish top-flight against Getafe on matchday one – and that was back in the middle of August. Since then the Spain international has had knee problems as well as a suspension that have kept him out of the side.
However, after coming on against Bayer 04, the 27-year-old scored with a header on 78 minutes – and that was the start of a run. The striker got his name on the scoresheet in all three of the following La Liga games: In the 2-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, in the 1-1 draw against Deportivo Alaves and in the same result against Sevilla. So there will be plenty for the Bayer 04 defence to do
Ahead of the game against Bayer 04, Atletico have injury worries about four players who have the potential to be in the starting line-up: Central defenders Jose Maria Gimenez and Stefan Savic (both with muscle injuries), right-back Sime Vrsaljko (knee operation) plus prodigy Joao Felix (sprained ankle) could still be sidelined. In the last match against Sevilla, the back four was made up of four summer signings - Renan Lodi, Hermoso, Felipe and Kieran Trippier.
The situation in the table in the top flight in Spain is similar to the Bundesliga: Just five points separate league leaders Barcelona and Valencia in thirteenth place. Bayer 04 opponents Atletico are currently one point behind Barca – the team from the capital are fourth. Atleti currently have a remarkable goal difference: With twelve goals scored and seven conceded, the games involving Atletico have produced comparably few goals. If the Werkself succeed in winning then they would be the second team after Real Sociedad (0-2, matchday four) to beat the team coached by Diego Simeone this season in a competitive match.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss at VfL Wolfsburg on the 22nd matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreBayer 04 Women ended their record-breaking 2024/25 Bundesliga season with a 3-1 defeat at Wolfsburg. It means Roberto Pätzold’s side finish the campaign with an unprecedented 43 points and 13 wins in fourth place for the club’s highest-ever finish. Cornelia Kramer scored the Werkself’s goal in the 75th minute.
Show moreBayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund in their final home game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. The Matchday 33 encounter this Sunday (3.30pm CEST) is a sell-out at the BayArena, which will say goodbye to several players like Jonathan Tah and also coach Xabi Alonso. Here’s all you need to know ahead of this crucial game for both teams.
Show moreIn front of a full house at the BayArena, Borussia Dortmund are the opponents on Bundesliga matchday 33 on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). For BVB it is about important points in the race for a Champions League spot while the Werkself are looking to maintain the chance of the second best season in the club's history. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the approach to the clash. In addition, the Spaniard officially announced his departure from Bayer 04 at the end of the season.
Show moreA few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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