The game between the Whites and Reds proved to be very entertaining. No wonder as former Werkself pros like Zé Roberto, Paulo Sergio, Juan, Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kießling, Simon Rolfes, Dimitar Berbatov, Falko Götz plus many more showed their ability once again and that helped create a fantastic mood in the stands. In the end, Rudi Völler's team came out on top with a 6-5 win. The other team was managed by Christoph Daum. Patrick Helmes was the top striker in the match with a hat-trick.
"It was a wonderful feeling being able to celebrate this anniversary with the fans," said Christoph Daum after the final whistle in the legends' game. "It feels like coming home." And the Brazilian Paulo Sergio was also full of enthusiasm: "I think it was a wonderful weekend here in Leverkusen. It was such great fun to meet all the old players again. It's always great being here."
The programme of events for the Bayer 04 anniversary was full of highlights.Several hundred fans made their way to the stage in front of the West entrance at eleven in the morning to catch goalkeeping legends Rüdiger Vollborn and René Adler in a harmonious discussion. Straight after that, Petra Dahl, Tobias Ufer, Klaus Schenkmann and legend stadium announcer Günter Maczkowiak came onto the stage to talk about old times.
There were also extended tours of the stadium on offer: Fans could get behind the scenes at the BayArena from midday. In addition to the current Bayer 04 squad, the promotion heroes were also available in the Mixed Zone, on the edge of the pitch, in the away changing room, in the team bus, in the VIP area and many more places to sign autographs, pose for photos or chat to the fans. "I'm very happy. It was a great weekend where you felt how great and alive tradition is at this club," said Fernando Carro, chairman of the board. "I was fascinated to see how much the former Bayer 04 players still have a connection to Leverkusen – it's like a big family."
Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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