The matches against Borussia Mönchengladbach came first early on Tuesday evening. "We set ourselves the target of overtaking a direct rival in Gladbach at the end of the first half of the season," said Marc ‘MARC_LDW23’ Landwehr before the encounter. And the 18-year-old achieved the target together with his teammates: Thanks to the 5-2 overall win against the Foals eSports players, the Black and Reds went ahead of Mönchengladbach in the table at the end of the first of the season.
‘MARC_LDW23’ secured a 1-1 draw on PlayStation 5 at the start of the evening, Fabian ‘B04_DUBZJE’ de Cae on Xbox Series S/X drew 2-2. As ‘MARC_LDW23’ and Paul ‘B04_PAUL’ Degner were able to come out with a 2-0 victory in the 2vs2 match, the #B04eSports players were able to go ahead of their Rhineland rivals in the VBL table.
The success on matchday 12 was incredibly important in two respects as the top six finish in the first half of the season puts the Black and Reds through to the main round of the DFB eCup.
Leverkusen went into the opening fixture of the second half of the season in confident mood – for them games against Holstein Kiel. In the 1vs1 match on PS 5, ‘MARC_LDW23’ picked up the first three points for the Werkself with a 2-1 win but ‘B04_DUBZJE’ was on the wrong end of a 4-2 scoreline on Xbox. The overall result was a 4-4 draw as the final 2vs2 game ended all square at 2-2.
After 13 of 24 matchdays, the #B04eSports team are currently sixth in the North West Division, which would qualify them for the VBL play-offs at the end of the season. There is just a one-point gap to fourth place.
There are no games next week with the next VBL CC matches being played on 25 January against ninth-placed Schalke (18.00 CET) and VfL Bochum, who are currently eighth in the table (20.00 CET).
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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