Joachim Löw announced the day before the match that Bernd Leno was his choice in goal, and that meant the 25-year-old Werkself keeper earned his sixth international cap in Kaiserslautern. Julian Brandt was also a starter against Azerbaijan for his twelfth full international appearance for Germany. A cross from Brandt led to a corner on nine minutes, which was skilfully converted with a backheel by Schalke's Leon Goretzka to give Germany an early lead. Shortly after Sandro Wagner hit the post, the visitors from Azerbaijan sprang a surprise with Ramil Sheydaev levelling the scores on 34 minutes with a shot to the near post that beat Leno.
Germany upped their game significantly after the restart – with Brandt making a solid contribution. The 21-year-old went very close twice in succession on 47 minutes before providing a pinpoint cross for Wagner to put Germany back in front with a header on 54 minutes. That broke the visitors' resistance with Antonio Rüdiger (64'), Goretzka (66') and Emre Can (80') scoring to make it 5-1.
Like Germany, Switzerland also have a perfect record in Group B. The Swiss team clocked up a comfortable 5-2 victory over Hungary at St. Jakob Park in Basel on Saturday for the ninth win in nine games – but they are not certain of qualifying for the World Cup finals. Their last group match on Tuesday (20.45 CET) in Lisbon against Portugal will decide their fate. A draw would be enough for Switzerland to secure a place in Russia next summer as they are three points ahead of the European Champions at the moment. Admir Mehmedi did not play against Hungary but is certainly an option for Vladimir Petkovic's team in the nail-biting finale in the race for top spot.
The Greek team had an outstanding evening in Group H. The side coached by Michael Skibbe, with Panos Retsos coming off the bench on 69 minutes to earn his second full international cap, came from behind to beat Cyprus 2-1 in Nicosia and they also profited from the previous second-placed team Bosnia losing 4-3 against leaders Belgium. Greece now have a two-point lead in second place in the race for a play-off slot and look certain to progress with the final home game on Tuesday against the as yet pointless Gibraltar.
The first and only friendly of the summer at the BayArena is tonight: After the wins at Bochum (2-0) and Sittard (2-1), the Werkself host Pisa FC from Italy today, Tuesday 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST/stadium opens: 15:00 CEST). Read on for the latest information on the match and the programme of events at the official Bayer 04 season launch…
Show more
Bayer 04 and catering partner Bayer Gastronomie have revised the public catering offer at the BayArena. A moderate price revision has become unavoidable due to increased raw material, energy and staff costs. Beer will now cost €5.10 (plus 20 cents) and Bratwurst €4.40 (plus 10 cents).
Show more
USA – it's common knowledge that everything here is supposed to be a bit bigger: The streets, the shops, the stadiums – and also the moments sometimes. For the Bayer 04 Leverkusen Inklusionswerkself (our team for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities) participation in the Genuine World Cup 2025 in Huston was more than just a big tournament. It was an experience that left its mark – from a sporting, human and international perspective.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with Czechia international Patrik Schick. The striker has signed a contract to 30 June 2030 with the current Bundesliga runners-up. The existing contract between the Champions League side and the Leverkusen top striker of recent years was due to run to the summer of 2027.
Show more
