"The 2020/21 season was affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the associated crowded fixture list," said Felix Duden, CEO of TecArena-Plus GmbH. The final league match at the BayArena was played on 27 June 2020, then came the second leg of the Round of 16 tie against Glasgow (Rangers) in Leverkusen on 6 August, and matches continued on 13 September with the DFB Cup game against Norderstedt at Bismarckstraße. "In order to be able to deal with increasing demands on the future, and particularly to ensure the level of quality in the winter months, the introduction of hybrid grass is the right move technically," added Duden.
This innovative playing surface at the BayArena is a combination of natural grass that is supported by synthetic components in the form of artificial fibres. "This ensures the grass is significantly more resilient while at the same time maintaining the positive characteristics of a traditional natural grass pitch," explained the CEO of TecArena-Plus.
Particular attention has been paid to the issue of sustainability in the implementation of this project. "To minimise the use of resources, a damp course has been installed below the undersoil heating. Temperature control will now be regulated according to the weather. And the sprinkler system will be upgraded so that targeted sprinkling will be possible in the future as required," Duden reported.
Construction work is set to be finished in August. That is to ensure the Werkself can play their first home game on the new BayArena pitch. The DFL have organised the start of the 2021/22 Bundesliga season for the weekend of 13 to 15 August.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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