Two VBL clashes are shown live each week on Pro Sieben Maxx. For the Leverkusen duo Kai 'Deto' Wollin and Fabian 'B04_Dubzje' de Cae, it was the first TV matchday in the current season. "The broadcast was brilliantly organised. Of course, it's a bit different being live on television instead of playing at home," said 'Deto' who faced Hertha's 'EliasN97 Nerlich on PlayStation in the first individual match.
Hertha mainly restricted themselves to defensive work and they took the lead through an unfortunate situation from the perspective of the Bayer 04 player. 'Deto' continued to battle and levelled at 1-1 on 70 minutes – but that was it. The draw in the first game of the night meant that the Black and Reds had no chance of being top at Christmas. But second spot was within reach.
Wollin's partner, Fabian 'B04_Dubzje' de Cae, has been extremely successful up-to-date. After the outstanding Bremen player Michael 'Megabit' Bittner, the Bayer 04 eSports player has the most wins this season – and another came against the Old Lady from the capital (victory number 14). 'B04_Dubzje' gave his opposite number Leon 'HBSC Blackarrow' Aussieker no chance on Xbox.
After 45 minutes score was already 4-0 and the scoreboard showed 4-1 in the end – and second place was secured. "I dominated the game over 90 minutes. I think, the first half was my best to date in the VBL," said de Cae who was more than happy ahead of the doubles match.
And it was "an evenly balanced clash", said 'Deto' ahead of the last match of the evening. The final score of 1-1 was a fair result and it led the former world champion to draw the following conclusion: "We've picked up five points and won the matchday, so we can be happy with that. We'll try to play as well in the second half of the season and see what happens in the end."
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
Show more
Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
Show more
Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
Show more
New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
Show more
