+++ 18 July, 16.31: The first friendly is over +++
The match is over, the Werkself lose 5-1 in the first friendly of the preseason. Flamengo player Gusttavo put the hosts 5-0 up after the restart (55') with youth player Montrell Culbreath pulling a goal back 15 minutes later for the final score (71'). The match report
+++ 18 July, 15.26: Half-time +++
After 45 minutes, the Werkself with five youth players in the starting line-up our 4-0 down against the CR Flamengo U20 team. While the Brazilians are in the middle of their league campaign, it's the first outing for our lads in the preseason. A short breather and then – with several changes over the course of the second half – carry on.
+++ 18 July, 14.37: Ten Hag first time in dugout +++
And there are the first minutes under the leadership of our new head coach Erik ten Hag. Jonas Hofmann led the Werkself onto the pitch as captain, Arthur receives a warm welcome from his fellow countrymen.
+++ 18 July, 14.23: Just before kick-off +++
About to start. The atmosphere here is overwhelming. And there are numerous children in the stand who are certainly creating an atmosphere. Bring on the game!
And where we’re talking about spectators: In addition to Paulo Sergio, Rodrigo Chagas, Zé Elias and Henrique there is another legend here: Renato Augusto! The now 37-year-old came to Leverkusen from CR Flamengo in 2008 and he played for the Werkself for five years. Great to see you again, Renato!
+++ 18 July, 13.04: Arrival at Estádio da Gávea +++
The lads have just arrived at today's venue. And what an impressive stage. You don't really know where to look first. On the one side there is the distinctive, historic stand with the big Flamengo logo and to the right – on the edge of the impressive mountain backdrop – the world-famous Christ the Redeemer. In addition, there is a clear blue sky, the sun is shining and birds fly over the palms and the pitch. Incredible.
For the team it into the changing rooms get ready for the warm-up. Also something different: The lads get changed in the Flamengo basketball hall right next to the pitch. You don't see that every day but it definitely looks cool.
+++ 18 July, 11.11: Stretching exercises +++
After breakfast – as is usual on matchdays – the players have a relaxed warm-up routine at the team hotel. With bands and yoga mats there is plenty of stretching – the lads are ready for the matchday.
The team set off for the Estádio da Gávea, where the first friendly of the preseason kicks off at 14:30 (19:30 CEST). We will report from there.
+++ 18 July, 9.04: Matchday! +++
Good morning, dear Werkself fans! Are you ready for the first match under new head coach Erik ten Hag? After many exhausting sessions here in Rio over the past few days, Bayer 04 play the CR Flamengo U20 team when it's the evening for you back home.
The latest information on the opponents, the venue, live stream and, of course, the match can be found on our media channels. Have fun!
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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