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Bayer 04’s most recent encounter with Paderborn came in July as Alonso’s side were beaten 2-1 in a pre-season friendly. Things were very different ahead of that game in Velbert compared to this week’s cup tie. “The game has still taught us a few helpful lessons,” the boss said at his press conference on Tuesday.
While Leverkusen have so far seen off opponents from lower leagues in the first two rounds, beating Teutonia Ottensen of the fourth tier and Sandhausen of the third division, Paderborn have claimed a 7-0 win at Energie Cottbus and stunned Bundesliga side Freiburg with a 3-1 away victory. “They played really well with and without the ball against Freiburg, showed a mature performance,” Alonso stated. “We can’t relax in this game but have to play with much more patience and control.”
The Spaniard is excited ahead of the round of 16 in a “special competition. The DFB-Pokal isn’t the easiest route to winning a title. There isn’t one. But it’s the shortest,” he added, once again calling for the great support of the fans. A total of 29,000 tickets have so far been sold for Wednesday’s game, with Bayer 04 expecting a sold-out home crowd. Around 2,300 fans are expected to come from Paderborn.
Alonso also confirmed at the press conference that Arthur suffered another injury in training on money. A precise diagnosis is still to be confirmed. All other players are available for the 42-year-old against Paderborn.
And while Alonso didn’t want to give any hints to his line-up when it comes to outfield players, he did confirm who his goalkeeper will be. “Matej Kovar will be in goal. It’s not a general decision but one for this game. It’s what we’ve always done so far.”
Talking about greater potential rotation, the coach stressed that every player is important: “I never talk about rotation but about the entire squad. So far, we’ve done things well. It’s a luxury to be able to decide.”
Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and what matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.
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After three consecutive wins in the Europa League, the Werkself suffered their first European defeat of the season against Marseille. In a first half with few chances, the Black and Reds gradually gained more and more control of the game, but were unable to convert that advantage into goals. Miguel Gutiérrez came closest to putting Leverkusen ahead with a shot that hit the crossbar. In the second half, the French side produced clinical finishing, with Amine Gouiri scoring from a counter-attack to make it 1-0 (77’). Right up to the final whistle, the Werkself threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but were unable to find a way back into the game.
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Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
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The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
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