It was a sensational moment for the Leverkusen striker: Chicharito opened the scoring for Mexico in the World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica after just seven minutes with a brilliant lob over the opposition keeper – it was his 46th goal for El Tri. The strike put him level with all-time record goalscorer Jared Borgetti and it was celebrated by the enthusiastic crowd at the Aztec Stadium. When Raul Jiminez replaced him on 66 minutes the whole stadium showed their appreciation for Chicha. Nestor Araujo doubled the lead just before the break. The 2-0 win takes Mexico to the top of the CONCACAF qualification group.
Setback for Chile
Charles Aránguiz and his Chile team-mates suffered a setback in the South American World Cup qualifiers: They lost 1-0 away to Argentina, the 44th time in succession they have failed to win there. Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on 16 minutes. Chile were unlucky with an effort from Fuenzalida being ruled out for offside. Aránguiz played for the full 90 minutes. Chile pushed the hosts back in the final half-hour but they missed brilliant chance to level with a free-kick from Alexis Sanchez on 70 minutes that hit the bar. After 13 out of 18 qualifiers Chile have slipped down to sixth in the table, which means they would not qualify for the World Cup. However, a win in the night to Wednesday against bottom of the table Venezuela could see Aránguiz and Co. considerably improve their chances.
Toprak wins against Pohjanpalo
In Europe, Turkey secured a 2-0 win against Finland to keep their hopes alive of finishing second in Group I. Ömer Toprak played the whole game for the winners and Joel Pohjanpalo was substituted on 72 minutes in Antalya. The group is led by Croatia who beat Ukraine 1-0. Tin Jedvaj played for the full 90 minutes in the Croat defence.
Late strikes from Austria
Austria took their time to get going at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna but Marcel Koller's men ended up beating Moldova 2-0 with goals from Marcel Sabitzer (75') and Martin Harnik (90'). Aleksandar Dragovic marshalled the Austrian defence with Julian Baumgartlinger looking on due to suspension. Austria are still four points away from World Cup qualification in Group D. Benny Henrichs did not play in Germany's 1-0 win in a friendly against England in Wiesbaden.
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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