The trademark existed back in 1904 – the year Bayer 04 was founded. Back then, the 'Bayer Cross' replaced the lion as the logo of Bayer AG. Before the Second World War there was a Bayer Cross as a neon light in Leverkusen. It was set up in 1933 between two 126 metre tall chimneys of a power station and had a diameter of 72 metres. It was switched off in 1939 and dismantled in 1944. Today's Leverkusen neon light was installed in 1958. It shows the emblem of the Bayer company and hangs from two 118 metre tall steel masts. The diameter is 51 metres with a weight of 300 tons. The official opening was on 2 September.
A landmark that has a high emotional value for people from Leverkusen but also for Bayer 04 fans. "When we used to return from away games in the night you could see the cross from a long way away," said honorary captain Rüdiger Vollborn. "I always knew: We’ll be home soon." It was and is a privilege as well as a duty to wear the "cross on the chest."
Understanding but also annoyance – the management at Bayer 04 acknowledged with mixed feelings the decision of FIFA to extend the international breaks in September and October by two days each. The reason is understandable: The coronavirus pandemic caused postponement of World Cup qualifiers in South America in the autumn of 2020 in the spring of 2021. Those fixtures now need to be played. But the fact the third match in both phases is only played in the night from Thursday to Friday is "an extremely unsatisfactory situation," according to Rudi Völler in kicker.
Charles Aránguiz (with Chile) and Piero Hincapie (Ecuador) will definitely be sidelined. Due to the unfavourable flight connections, they cannot return to Leverkusen before the home game against Borussia Dortmund kicks off. Exequiel Palacios, who has a home game with Argentina, could make it in terms of time, but coach Gerardo Seoane will not take any unnecessary risks with the health of the players with only a one-day break. "We have to live with it," declared the Bayer 04 sporting managing director. "That can't happen again. That must be seen as a warning for FIFA."
At least the DFL appears to have taken account of the circumstances. The home game for the Werkself against Bayern Munich after the international break is on Sunday, 17 October.
He is a renowned knee specialist: Since 2012, Dr. Philipp Ehrenstein consultant at the Helios clinic in Krefeld has mainly been responsible for arthroscopic surgery on shoulders and knees plus ankles. The main focus of his work is on reconstruction of ligament injuries in the joints – including the anterior and posterior ligaments as well as meniscus surgery. After the Helios group was taken over by the St. Josef Hospital Uerdingen in Krefeld at the start of the year, the orthopaedic surgeon, who has worked for Bayer 04 since 2015, is now the senior doctor the newly founded sports clinic at the hospital. In the middle of the week there was the official opening for the new facility for competitive athletes. Jonathan Tah, who feels in good hands with Doc Ehrenstein.
More movement, a more active lifestyle, a healthy diet, losing weight sustainably: In September 2021, Bayer 04 start the next weekly 'Football fans in training' courses for women (from Tuesday, 28 September at 18.00 CEST) and the men (from Thursday, 30 September, at 19.04 CEST) under the motto "Your home game. Your club. Your health." Heavier Werkself fans have the opportunity to lose weight under professional direction.
There was a fantastic season last term with the Bayer Giants finishing runners-up in the basketball Bundesliga 2 ProA. Hardly anyone predicted the team under coach Hansi Gnad would finish near the top but Leverkusen were on a roll and beat favourites after favourites on the way to the final and only losing out to the champions from Heidelberg in the end. And as the many loyal fans from Leverkusen were unable to be at the Ostermann Arena due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Giants came up with a really special idea and produced a two-hour documentary about their spectacular season on their YouTube channel. The film provide exclusive recordings and insight behind the scenes of the special Leverkusen team and get you in the mood for more dunking and three-point strikes. It's worth a look.
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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