One thing is certain since Sunday night and the DFB Cup draw: The Bundesliga second half of the season game on Saturday 15 February (kick-off: 15.30 CET) away to FC Union Berlin will not be the last meeting between the Werkself and the team from Köpenick in the current campaign. The Bundesliga teams face each other in the DFB cup quarter-finals, albeit at the BayArena. Today, the DFB announced the timings for the last eight ties: Bayer 04 entertain Union on Wednesday 4 March at 18.30 CET. The match will be broadcast live on Sky, Sport1 and Werkself Radio (at bayer04.de).
DFB Cup quarter-finals:
Tuesday, 3 March, 18.30 CET: 1. FC Saarbrücken v Fortuna Düsseldorf (Sky)
Tuesday, 3 March, 20.45 CET: FC Schalke 04 v Bayern Munich (ARD/Sky)
Wednesday, 4 March, 18.30 CET: Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Union Berlin (Sport1/Sky)
Wednesday, 4 March, 20.45 CET: Eintracht Frankfurt v Werder Bremen (ARD/Sky)
Following today's FFT session (football fitness training), head coach Peter Bosz spoke to journalists on being positive about the competition for places in holding midfield. "Nadiem (Amiri, ed) did a great job against Dortmund, Lars (Bender, ed) did too," said the 56-year-old. After today's return of Exequiel Palacios, Charles Aránguiz and Julian Baumgartlinger to full training, it appears unlikely that Lars Bender will play in holding midfield. Bosz added: "Nevertheless, it's good to know as a coach that there is another option in this position." The Dutchman was also happy with the development of Daley Sinkgraven. The 24-year-old has started in the last four games after recovering from a thigh injury. "I know what Daley can do as I worked with him for a year at Ajax. After an injury, it's always difficult to find your rhythm again. But he's on the right track," said Bosz about his fellow countryman.
Central defender Jonathan Tah today celebrates his 24th birthday. Even at this young age, the Hamburg born defender can already look back at 167 games for Bayer 04. The 1.95 metre giant has scored four goals and provided seven assists. A notable achievement: Tah has only been sent off once: In a 2-1 away win for the Werkself at Bayern Munich (November 2019).
The Internet portal transfermarkt.de today published a special update of its market values. This included Leverkusen's winter signing Edmund Tapsoba. The market value of the 21-year-old was increased from 4.5 to 16 million euros. The central defender joined Leverkusen from the Portuguese top-flight side Vitória Guimarães.
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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