The quintet were on the pitch together for 20 minutes. Werkself striker Joel Pohjanpalo started for Finland.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was the focus of attention in his final international appearance for Germany where he once again led the team out as captain to earn cap number 121. “I’m happy to be picked for this game and it’s bound to be very emotional. I’m looking forward to the night and the chance to hear the national anthem on the pitch again,” said Schweinsteiger. The visibly moved captain received a standing ovation from the 30,120 crowd before kick-off.
The match proved to be a tame affair at the start. Germany set out to dominate the game but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. The best opportunity came when the Finland defender Paulus Arajuuri almost turned the ball into his own net but his clearance on 26 minutes came back off the post. Five minutes later Mario Götze hesitated a second too long with his shot after a fine solo run. Just before the break debutant Niklas Süle saw a long-range effort saved by the Finland shot-stopper Lukas Hradecky.
The fourth Werkself pro came on at the start of the second half: Bernd Leno took over in goal from Marc ter Stegen to win his second international cap.
Tah completes quintet
Germany remained on top in the second 45 with the busy Kevin Volland one of the most impressive players on the pitch. The Werkself pro caused constant problems with his forays up front and he was involved in the opener on 54 minutes. Volland dummied a cross from Götze for Max Meyer to convert the chance. Jonathan Tah came on just after that to complete the Bayer 04 quintet.
Another emotional moment followed on 66 minutes: Bastian Schweinsteiger left the pitch to a fantastic reception from the fans. “Basti, Basti” rang out all round the stadium.
It was still one-way traffic in the game. Mesut Özil made it 2-0 on 77 minutes with the hosts clearly in charge. Julian Brandt made for Thomas Müller two minutes later and Leno was called into action in the closing minutes.
World Cup qualifier on Sunday
Germany take on Norway on Sunday in the first qualifier for the 2018 World Cup. The match in Oslo kicks off at 20.45 CET.
Fritz Walter medals for Henrichs, Havertz and Ehegötz
Ahead of the friendly against Finland the German FA (DFB) honoured three Bayer 04 players in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday afternoon: Nina Ehegötz, new signing with Leverkusen women’s team, received a gold Fritz Walter medal as did Werkself pro Benjamin Henrichs.
Under-19 player Kai Havertz received a silver Fritz Walter. “All the talented youngsters have been given awards for their outstanding performances last season and they have taken a great step forward in their careers,” said Hans-Dieter Drewitz, the DFB vice-president responsible for youth development, in Mönchengladbach on Wednesday. And Germany sporting director Hansi Flick was also present at the awards.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show more
On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
Show more
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
Show more
Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
Show more
