In a repeat of the 1-1 draw in the group match, Chile applied pressure in the opening stages in the final in Saint Petersburg and succeeded in putting the Germany defence on the spot time after time. One of the most impressive players for La Roja during this stage of the game was Charles Aránguiz. The Werkself pro twice got himself in a good position up front but he was unable to take his chances.
The team coached by Joachim Löw then took the lead out of the blue. Timo Werner exploited a big mistake by Marcelo Diaz, squared the ball to Lars Stindl who had a simple tap in on 20 minutes. Germany were now in the game and they had three good chances to extend the lead in the last ten minutes of the first half through Leon Goretzka (36'/44') and Julian Draxler (40').
The match heated up in the second half. The game was interspersed with numerous niggles. Draxler had the first clear chance after a great solo run. Chile were failing to impress at this point. It was only in the closing stages that La Roja increased the pressure on the German goal. Vargas, Aránguiz and substitute Sagal all had decent chances. However, Germany were able to maintain their narrow lead with a mixture of determination and fortune. "I'm mega proud of this young group," said Löw after winning the title.
The Leipzig player Werner won the tournament golden boots with three goals and two assists. Draxler was named the best player In the Confed Cup 2017.
Following the U21s winning the European Championships, Germany lifting the Confed Cup as the second big success for the DFB within three days.
Chicha fourth with Mexico
Chicharito was in the starting line-up for his 96th international appearance for Mexico in the match for third place at the Confederations Cup. The match against the reigning European Champions Portugal quickly developed into an interesting clash with lots of chances on both sides. Chicharito was often sort out by his team-mates and also found.
The Werkself striker had an impressive game, covering a lot of ground, getting stuck into challenges and forcing Portugal's keeper Patricio to make a brilliant save on the half-hour mark with a shot on the turn. Before that, Portugal's André Silva had a better chance to score when he missed a penalty. After a goalless first half it was Chicha who brought about the lead for Mexico on 54 minutes. His sharp cross was turned into his own net by Portugal's Neto. Chicharito was substituted on 85 minutes Andy had to look on from the bench when Pepe equalised for Portugal in added time.
The match went into extra time and the decider came from the penalty spot just before the change of ends. Adrien Silva kept his cool on 104 minutes as he scored the winning goal to make it 2-1 for the European Champions.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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