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."
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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