Looking back at last term, there does not appear to be a favourite in this fixture: The hosts won the first meeting in Potsdam 2-0 and the second game saw the Black and Reds win 4-2. Given the latest performance of his team in the narrow 2-1 defeat against SGS Essen, the Bayer 04 head coach Achim Feifel sees the opponents as slight favourites: "They are the main competitors for the two top teams from Munich and Wolfsburg. We're just taking it game by game and we'll see what comes out in the end."
The 57-year-old has focused on basics in this week's training. Feifel explained the reasons: "From when the referee starts the game, everybody has to give 100% for 90 minutes. Unfortunately, that wasn't always the case against Essen . We have to rediscover the necessary aggression and be organised in defence."
As in the game against Essen, long-term injuries Julia Pollak, Jessica Wich and Nina Brüggemann are still sidelined. The captain Kristin Kögel likewise. "She's got problems with her MCL," said Feifel. There is still a question mark over the possible appearance of the Swiss player Lara Marti who, like the above-mentioned trio, also missed out against SGS. Otherwise, the head coach has all the other players available.
Bayer 04 are again offering tickets at the reduced single prize of five euros each for the Essen game. Children under the age of five go in free (with lap ticket). 654 tickets are available. All the seats at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium can be used. There are no standing tickets.
Matchday tickets are available via phone from the Bayer 04 Service Centre on 0049 (0) 214 5000 1904 (Payment methods: direct debit or credit card.) Tickets will be sent out exclusively via email (print@home and eTicket). Tickets are not valid for use on the local transport system. The matchday ticket office opens one hour before kick-off (18.15 CEST). Cash sales only.
Anybody unable to attend the game at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Friday night can watch the Bayer 04 Women's game against Potsdam live. MagentaSport has the broadcasting rights to all Women's Bundesliga matches. The match is on the pay-TV service from 19.15 CEST.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
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The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
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There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
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