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 will round off their 2026/27 pre-season preparations with a friendly against Premier League side Newcastle United. The match against the side featuring German internationals Malik Thiaw and Nick Woltemade will take place on Saturday 15 August (kick-off: 4 pm German time/3 pm local time) at St James’ Park. Werkself-TV will stream the match live in full and free of charge after logging in from 3.50 pm...
After the 2-1 defeat at Premier League club Nottingham Forest the night before, it was straight back to work for the Werkself at midday on Thursday with an intensive training session in hot temperatures at the hosts' training ground.
Show more
The Werkself suffered a first defeat in the current pre-season fixtures. The sixth friendly of the summer ended in 2-1 reverse at Premier League Nottingham Forest. The English side took an early lead (4’) but Patrik Schick levelled just after the half-hour mark (32’). Nothing much happened after that, and the match looked set to end in a draw. However, the hosts managed to score the winning goal late on (90').
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has taken note of the final, non-binding statement issued by the Bundeskartellamt regarding the 50+1 rule and its application, and will now examine it carefully.
Show more
