Bayer 04 suffered a last-minute defeat in the first leg against AS Monaco: Axel Disasi only scored the 3-2 winner for Monaco in the second minute of added time. "Of course it hurts that we didn't win the first leg," said Xabi Alonso. "But I've seen in the preparation for the second leg over the last few days that all the players are absolutely ready to fight for victory tomorrow. We definitely want to go through to the next round!” The Werkself will be supported by around 750 visiting fans at the Stade Louis II.
When asked about the heated final moments in the first leg, Alonso explained: "Tomorrow we have to find the right balance between emotion and control. We learned a lot from the first leg, so we have a clear plan for tomorrow. It’s important we take risks at the right time.”
At the press conference, some details of Moussa Diaby and Patrik Schick were met with great interest from the media representatives. Centre forward Schick, who has been injured since November, was on the pitch for more than half an hour last weekend against Mainz and scored to equalise for the Werkself 2-2. “We were all very happy about that. Of course, he will need some time to get back to top form. But we see him on a very good path,” explained Xabi Alonso.
Moussa Diaby, on the other hand, had to sit out against Mainz due to a small muscle injury from the Monaco first leg. However, the France international was able to complete parts of the final training session today and travelled to Monaco. Alonso spoke about the chances of using the lightning-fast winger in the second leg: "Tomorrow we will weigh up the risks with the medical department and Moussa."
The Werkself are away to FSV Mainz 05 on the final Bundesliga matchday of the 2024/25 season. The game is on Saturday, 17 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). The Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team brings you the latest information on the fixture at the MEWA Arena...
Show moreStriker Delice Boboy will leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the season and move to Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig. The 18-year-old is taking up a release clause in her contract one year before its expiry.
Show moreWerkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-4 defeat against Borussia Dortmund on the 33rd matchday of the Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreBayer 04 lost their final home game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season 4-2 against Borussia Dortmund. The Werkself started in dominant fashion and eventually went ahead after half an hour through Jeremie Frimpong. But Dortmund turned things around before the break and then hit two more quickfire goals in the second half. Jonas Hofmann got one back late on for the hosts in the penultimate fixture of the campaign and the last home outing for head coach Xabi Alonso and defensive stalwart Jonathan Tah.
Show more