The 2014 World Cup winners against the 2010 World Cup winners: This attractive fixture certainly lived up to its promise for at least 70 minutes. Germany and Spain drew 1-1 in a highly entertaining encounter played at an impressive level. After just six minutes, a brilliant pass from Andrés Iniesta put Rodrigo Moreno through to open the scoring in front of a 50,000 crowd in Düsseldorf. FC Bayern's Thomas Müller levelled on 35 minutes with his 38th international goal – with a great shot from 20 yards out into the roof of the net. Julian Brandt and Bernd Leno did not play. Joachim Löw's team are back in action on Tuesday (20.45 CET) when they entertain record World Cup winners Brazil in Berlin.
Julian Baumgartlinger lead Austria to a 3-0 win against Slovenia with goals from David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic (2). The Bayer 04 player provided the assist for the third goal and was taken off just before the end of the game that saw him receive a rousing reception from the 18,000 fans as he left the pitch in Klagenfurt. Panos Retsos played for Greece in a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland with a goal from Blerim Dzemaili. The Werkself defender played the full 90 minutes for Michael Skibbe's team. Joel Pohjanopalo was unable to find the back of the net for Finland against Macedonia in a 0-0 draw. 'Danger'was substituted shortly after half-time. Tin Jedvaj did not feature in Croatia's 2-0 defeat against Peru in Florida.
Jonathan Tah captained the Germany U21 team in a European Championship qualifier against Israel in Braunschweig and, along with Benjamin Henrichs, he played the full 90 minutes. The 3-0 victory in front of 6,000 fans saw the team coached by Stefan Kuntz consolidate their lead at the top of Group 5. Germany's goals were scored by Eduard Löwen (Nürnberg), Cedric Teuchert (Schalke) and Levin Öztunali (Mainz) from the penalty spot. The U 21s play Kosovo next on Tuesday at 18.45 CET.
The Germany U19s had a convincing win in the European Championship qualifiers. The team under coach Meikel Schönweitz gave Scotland no chance in a 3-0 victory. In front of a 2,500 crowd in Lippstadt, the skipper Kai Havertz went close to scoring on 22 minutes when he hit the woodwork. Germany's number 10 was at the centre of many successful attacking moves. Havertz played for 79 minutes before being replaced by his Bayer 04 team-mate Sam Schreck. Atakan Akkaynak also came on with seven minutes to play. Germany are second in their four-team group behind Holland who registered a 6-1 victory over Norway in their first match. Only the top team goes through to the European Championship finals in Finland in the summer. Germany's next game is today (Saturday) against Norway in Hüsten (live on DFB TV at 12.00 CET) before the decisive fixture on Tuesday against Holland in Ahlen (live on DFB TV at 18.00 CET).
The highly successful and mutually appreciated partnership between Bayer 04 and head coach Xabi Alonso ends after two and a half years. The 43-year-old Spaniard has led the Werkself to three trophies. Above all, winning the first German league title in the club's history will always be associated with the name of Xabi Alonso. The former world class player, who won many hearts in Leverkusen as a person, now says farewell to Bayer 04. We look back at a fantastic time with the Basque who fulfilled the biggest dream of all Bayer 04 fans together with an outstanding team.
Show moreA few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreA cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen will be the first Bundesliga club to open and operate a football academy in Brazil. The "Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo," led by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sérgio, will be established on the Bayer Brazil campus in São Paulo and accommodate up to 300 children and youth ages 5 to 15.
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