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.
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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