Exequiel Palacios and Argentina ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at home to Bolivia on Thursday night. It means the Albiceleste remain undefeated after eight games in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. The star of the show in Buenos Aires was once again Lionel Messi. The new Paris Saint-Germain forward scored all three goals. The Werkself’s Palacios joined the action in the 82nd minute. It means Argentina remain on course for Qatar in second place of South America’s ten-team qualification group.
However, new Leverkusen man Piero Hincapie is more unsure of his place at the next World Cup. The 19-year-old centre-back played the full 90 minutes for Ecuador as they slipped to an agonising 1-0 defeat in Uruguay. The hosts scored their winner two minutes into added time. La Tri are currently fourth in qualifying, which would be enough for an automatic place in Qatar. But Colombia are only behind them on goal difference in fifth.
Things look less auspicious for Chile and Werkself veteran Charles Aránguiz. They missed out on crucial points as they were beaten 3-1 in Colombia. Aránguiz joined the action for the start of the second half. La Roja currently sit eighth and are six points off fifth, which would see them compete in the inter-confederation play-off.
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
