The Germany team under Joachim Löw clearly dominated the first half of the game against the 2018 World Cup hosts. Leroy Sané opened the scoring for Germany on eight minutes at the end of a move involving Thilo Kehrer and Serge Gnabry. Germany remained on top with 77 possession after 15 minutes. Havertz constantly stood out - Sané had the chance to double the lead on 23 minutes from a perfect cross from Kai but the Manchester City striker was unable to direct his header on target. The next goal came two minutes later: A corner saw the ball end up at the feet of Niklas Süle and the FC Bayern pro tucked the ball away to make it 2-0 on 25 minutes. The next impressive move from Havertz came five minutes before the break: The Bayer 04 youngster picked out Gnabry with a brilliant pass and the FCB player scored with a placed shot to put Germany 3-0 up.
The game levelled off in the second half - in part due to the large number of substitutions by both sides. Russia came into the game and Germany were less dominant. After an hour, Löw brought on Jonathan Tah for Antonio Rüdiger with the Werkself central defender winning his fourth cap. Julian Brandt also came of the bench five minutes later for his 23rd game for Germany. Havertz, who had an enormous presence and was very creative, his game ended on 65 minutes. "I was really happy with Kai, he has incredibly good vision and is very confident on the ball," said Löw in praise of the 19-year-old.
With the exception of a chance for Brandt, whose shot was turned away for a corner (87'), not much else happened.
Several other Bayer 04 pros were on international duty on Thursday. Tin Jedvaj had a great night, scoring two goals in the 3-2 win for the World Cup runners-up Croatia against Spain. The Werkself defender made it 2-1 with a header on 69 minutes and, after Sergio Ramos levelled for Spain, he netted the winner in the third minute of added time. The Werkself central defender, who recently scored for Bayer 04 against Gladbach and Zürich, has shown his ability in front of goal. The victory for Croatia in the Nations League group with Spain and England puts them third on four points with every chance of progressing.
Julian Baumgartlinger captained Austria in a 0-0 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina and he went the full distance as did Aleksandar Dragovic. Austria, on four points, remain second behind Bosnia-Herzegovina (10) in the Nations League.
Lukas Hradecky was in goal for Finland against Greece and he was on the losing side with an own goal in the 1-0 defeat. Nevertheless, the Finns are still top of their Nations League group.
Jakub Bednarczyk and Adrian Stanilewicz were in action for the Poland U20s in the Elite League in a 2-0 reverse in Portugal.
Paulinho played 75 minutes for the Brazil U20s in a 0-0 draw with Colombia.
And the next games for our internationals are:
Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz, Jonathan Tah (Germany)
Monday, 19 November (20.45 CET): Germany v Holland (UEFA Nations League)
Julian Baumgartlinger, Aleksandar Dragovic (Austria)
Sunday, 18 November (18.00 CET): Northern Ireland v Austria (UEFA Nations League)
Lukas Hradecky (Finland)
Sunday, 18 October (20.45 CET): Hungary v Finland (Nations League)
Tin Jedvaj (Croatia)
Sunday, 18 November (15.00 CET): England v Croatia (UEFA Nations League)
Issac Kiese Thelin (Sweden)
Saturday, 17 November (18.00 CET): Turkey v Sweden (UEFA Nations League)
Tuesday, 20 November (20.45 CET): Sweden v Russia (UEFA Nations League)
Paulinho (Brazil U20)
Tuesday, 20 November (17.30 CET): Brazil U20 v Colombia U20 (friendly)
Jakub Bednarczyk, Adrian Stanilewicz (Poland U20)
Monday, 19 November (19.00 CET): Poland U20 v Ukraine U20 (friendly)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.
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Video games developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga ‘Player of the Month’ award for September – Bayer 04’s Miguel Gutiérrez has made it into this select group after just four Bundesliga matches. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 27 September (23:59 CEST).
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Calling all Werkself fans: Even during the three-week international break – a first for September and October – you have the chance to visit the BayArena – and for a very special occasion. Bayer 04 is hosting a Health Day on Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 CEST in the Premium Lounge. Together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, the Bundesliga club invites you to an interactive, free event centred on the theme of health. Partners will be present on site with their own exciting activities. Here is an overview of the programme of events.
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