Ahead of the match in Gelsenkirchen it was clear the result would not affect Germany's position in Group A1: The 2-0 win for Holland against World Cup winners France on Friday condemned Germany to relegation to Group B in the European competition. That meant the final group match against the team from the Netherlands was primarily a matter of prestige as the visitors only needed a draw to secure top spot in the group.
Germany were on the front foot from the start and deservedly took a 2-0 lead with goals from Timo Werner (9') and Leroy Sané (19'). Through to the final stage of the game the hosts created a large number of chances but failed to extend their lead. Somewhat out of the blue, Holland pulled a goal back with five minutes to play with an unstoppable shot from Quincy Promes. The game changed from that point and the Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk levelled in added time. In contrast to the friendly against Russia on Thursday Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Jonathan Tah did not add to the international caps as they watched the match from the bench.
Germany failed to register a win in the first Nations League campaign and now have to hope that Portugal beat Poland on Tuesday to ensure a seeding at the top of a group for the Euro qualifiers. Thanks to a superior goal difference, Holland go through the finals as group winners ahead of France.
Jakub Bednarczyk was on the winning side on Monday night as the Poland U20s beat their contemporaries from Ukraine 2-1 in a friendly. The 19-year-old started at right back in the match in Bielitz-Biala – and he was involved in the opening goal for his team with a cross that led to a penalty. The Werkself number 32 had to go off on 33 minutes after picking up a knock.
In the final international break of the year, the last two players from Heiko Herrlich's squad are in action on Tuesday: Issac Kiese Thelin (for Sweden against Russia) and Paulinho (with the Brazil U20s against Colombia).
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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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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The German Football League (DFL) has shortlisted Martin Terrier’s scorpion kick goal against 1. FC Köln for the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season. Bayer 04 fans can vote for their favourite goal via the Bundesliga app from now until Monday 25 May (23:59 CEST).
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Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.
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