And the tricky Werkself winger also showed his ability in the air: Joshua Kimmich put the ball into the box and Brandt made the most of his opportunity to score with a flying header. "It was obviously a sensational feeling. I really enjoyed it. It's always an honour to play for the national side. It gives you goose bumps," said a euphoric Julian after the match in Nuremberg.
Leno and Henrichs on the bench
In a predictably one-sided encounter the TSG Hoffenheim striker Sandro Wagner scored a hat-trick. The other goals were netted by captain Julian Draxler, Armin Younes and Shkodran Mustafi. With six wins in Group C the world champions Germany can almost start planning for next year’s tournament in Russia. Bernd Leno did not play as Joachim Löw opted instead for Mark-Andre Ter Stegen in goal. Benjamin Henrichs was also on the bench. After a short break, the Bayer 04 trio are set head off to Russia on Tuesday with the Germany squad. The Confederations Cup sees Germany start with group games against Australia (19 June), Chile (22 June) and Cameroon (25 June).
Mehmedi and Chicharito on road to victory
Other Bayer 04 players have been on international duty at the weekend. Admir Mehmedi was in the Swiss team for the 2-0 win against the Faroe Isles on Friday night. The Bayer 04 striker was substituted on 62 minutes. Just like Germany, Switzerland are unbeaten at the top of Group B with six wins from six games. European Champions Portugal are three points behind. Bayer 04 striker Chicharito and Mexico are still on course to qualify for the World Cup: The Mexicans beat Honduras 3-0 early on Friday morning Central European Time. Chicha did not play. That will probably change in the prestigious match against the USA on Monday at 3.30 CET. The Mexicans are way ahead in their group with 13 points from five matches.
Austria and Finland in action
Bayer 04 pros Julian Baumgartlinger and Aleksandar Dragovic are set to line up for Austria away to Ireland on Sunday at 18.00 CET. With seven points from five games the team coached by Marcel Koller have not lived up to expectations. Currently in fourth position, the Austrians need a win in Dublin against second-placed Ireland on eleven points to be in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
Hopes of participation in the World Cup are as good as over for Finland and Bayer 04 striker Joel Pohjanpalo. However, in spite of just one point from five games Scandinavians are looking to register a first win in the home match against Ukraine (18.00 CET).
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
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The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
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There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
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