
The Bio-Brotbox organisation has been active for many years in numerous German cities and regions in promoting healthy child nutrition. The campaign involves giving first year schoolchildren reusable lunch boxes with ingredients from organic farming. Bayer 04 have supported this campaign in Leverkusen in recent years and have often been directly involved in filling the boxes at NaturGut Ophoven. CEO Michael Schade, Wendell (pictured above in 2016 with the mayor Uwe Richrath) and Stefan Kießling have all helped to fill the lunch boxes with healthy items.
This year, Bayer 04 are supporting the thirteenth campaign in Leverkusen. The club has donated 1,800 muesli bars for the boxes to be handed to 1,620 first years shortly after they start school at the beginning of September. The communal packing event will certainly involve another member of the Werkself when the date is confirmed.
This year’s patron also has a very close connection to Bayer 04: Wilfried Schmickler (63),born in Hitdorf, is a cabaret artist and has always been a passionate supporter of the Black and Reds. “A healthy diet helps children feel good and learn well. Education is the most important issue at the moment where there is still a lot to achieve,” said Schmickler at the campaign press conference.

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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