"Charly has had a difficult time in the past six months due to his injury. It was no longer possible for him to play at his normal level in the closing stages of this season. Therefore, we have met his request to return to South America two months earlier than planned to be able to have time to make a systematic start with his new club," explained Bayer 04 sporting managing director Simon Rolfes. "Charly was an important part of our Werkself for a good seven and a half years – now we wish him every success with his new, old club in Brazil."
Aránguiz' departure is a turning point for the Chile international with 97 caps: "I've always felt at home in Leverkusen through all the years. This club has also always supported me even in difficult times and I won't forget that," said the midfielder. "Now I want to spend the rest of my career in South America closer to my family. But I'd like to say thank you, particularly to the fans in Black and Red – for me it is leaving in friendship."
The fourth showdown in the VBL Club Championship 2025/26 starts for the Leverkusen eSports team today, Thursday 22 January (live on the B04eSports Twitch channel and on the Bayer 04 app from 19:00 CET). In the online preliminary round, the Black and Reds will once again compete with six previously drawn opponents for a place in the Top 16 and the associated entry into the offline knockout round in Berlin on 2 February at the fourth showdown. The lowdown on our next three opponents in the online preliminary round.
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The fourth European away trip of the season in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 takes the Werkself to the Greek capital. Head coach Kasper Hjulmand's team are away to Greek double winners Olympiacos on matchday seven in the UCL league phase. The match at the Karaiskakis Stadium is on Tuesday, 20 January (kick-off: 21:00 CET). We'll be taking you on a trip to Athens and reporting on the Werkself close-up...
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A great honour for Bayer 04 Women's German international: as part of the 2025 Sports Awards, Carlotta Wamser entered her name into the City of Leverkusen's Golden Book. On Tuesday, she looked back on a special year in a talk in the Morsbroich Castle hall of mirrors.
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It was a disappointing night in Athens: The Werkself lost 2-0 away to Olympiacos on Matchday 7 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. In a match that was intense and fiery from the outset, the high-pressing home side made the better start and took the lead through Costinha on two minutes. Although the Werkself had a number of chances to equalise, the clinical Greek side increased the lead to 2-0 shortly before half-time (45+1’). In the second half, Leverkusen once again gave their all and showed total commitment but, despite their best efforts, the Black and Reds were unable to break down the Olympiacos defence on the night.
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