With team-mate Wendell looking on, the Werkself number 20 went the full distance in midfield against Ecuador in the second group match in Salvador and once again he came up with the goods as in the first group match against Japan (4-0): The 30-year-old took the corner for the opening goal from José Fuenzalida (CSD Colo-Colo) and he laid on the winner at 2-1 for Alexis Sánches (Manchester United) with a cross from the right. The victory sees Chile hold on to top spot in Group C and they are through to the quarter-finals ahead of the last group match against Uruguay early on Tuesday (25 June, 01.00 CET).
Leon Bailey and his Jamaican team-mates also remain unbeaten at the Gold Cup (15 June to 7 July in the USA, Costa Rica and Jamaica) – the Reggae Boyz could only manage a goalless draw against second-placed El Salvador but they remain top of Group C ahead of their final group match thanks to a better goal difference. In an evenly balanced encounter, with Jamaica having the better chances, Bailey played the full 90 minutes on the right wing. The 0-0 draw gives Jamaica the chance to go through to the quarter-finals of the competition in the game against the one-points worse off Curaçao in third place on Wednesday (26 June, 02.00 CET).
The Bayer 04 youth player Marc Lamti starts the Africa Cup (21 June to 19 July) on Monday (19.00 CET) with the competition held in Egypt this year. The Eagles of Carthage play 2006 World Cup participants Angola in the first match in Group E.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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