It was an acoustic topic of discussion in the TV broadcast, in the press box and even inside the BayArena. While the Werkself were playing their home game against Hoffenheim (4-1) on Sunday night, a large number of festively decorated tractors brought attention to themselves with loud honking of horns.
Farmers from the region carried out their second procession on the third Sunday in Advent with their illuminated tractors making their way through the Leverkusen residential areas. "With this event, we wanted to spread a bit of joy amongst the people during this time of the pandemic," was the view of the organiser. "And we didn't miss the chance to send a suitable greeting to our league leaders." On the second Sunday in Advent, the column of tractors visited children's and care homes for the elderly and distributed a large number of gingerbread men. A great event.
And this community project, which Bayer 04 are involved with, has also produced positive headlines: The fan liaison at the current Bundesliga league leaders have called for donations in recent days and weeks. That resulted in the donation of 86 gift boxes and commodity contributions plus Christmas biscuits and more. The donations were distributed at food stations run by the volunteer homeless support group ‘Kältegang Leverkusen’.
Back to football: The home win against Hoffenheim not only brought another three points to the Werkself but also top spot in the Bundesliga for the first time since matchday three in the 2014/15 season. The head coach then was Roger Schmidt who was at Leverkusen from 2014 to 2017. The current coach of PSV Eindhoven can look back at 61 wins and 29 draws with Bayer 04. The Black and Reds ended that season in fourth place with a total of 61 points.
It was not only Werkself fans who honoured Leon Bailey for his brace against TSG with the title of Man of the Match. Journalists also highlighted the performance of the Jamaican. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and the Rheinische Post awarded top marks to Bailey who was also included in the team the day by kicker. Youngster Florian Wirtz and stalwart Julian Baumgartlinger were awarded high marks in the Stadt-Anzeiger.
The 18-year-old Samed Onur did not play against Hoffenheim but he did make his first-team debut last week in the 4-0 home win against Slavia Prague. Thanks to his first appearance under head coach Peter Bosz, Onur is now listed in the Werkself squad on bayer04.de. Up-and-coming talents Emrehan Gedikli and Cem Tuna Türkmen made their debuts previously in the Europa League. Click HERE for Onur’s profile.
Bayer 04 Women have their second straight home game as they close out Matchday 5 in the Google Pixel Bundesliga against Carl Zeiss Jena on Monday. Kick-off at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion is at 6pm CEST, with head coach Roberto Pätzold expecting a defensive-minded opponent while his team look to continue their good form.
Show moreThe German double winners’ special-edition jersey to mark the club’s 120th anniversary is reminiscent of the first kit worn by players back in the 1907/08 season. The jersey, which the Werkself will wear for the Bundesliga home game against Holstein Kiel on Saturday, 5 October and which has been met with enthusiasm by the players, has numerous special features relating to the club's history, including an NFC chip that leads to exclusive content when scanned with a smartphone.
Show moreBundesliga debutants Holstein Kiel come to the BayArena on Saturday, 5 October (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST) looking to improve on their defensive record up against the Werkself after a tough start to the season. No team has conceded more goals so far than the promoted side. Learn more about our next opponents here…
Show moreVanessa Haim became Bayer 04 Women's sixth summer signing shortly before the start of the training camp in Poland. Around two months after her arrival in Leverkusen, the 27-year-old tells bayer04.de about her move under the Cross and her former job as a teacher.
Show moreThe second international break of the 2024/25 season is round the corner. After the Bundesliga clash against Holstein Kiel this Saturday, 5 October (kick-off 15:30 CEST), several Bayer 04 players will be playing in the next set of UEFA Nations League fixtures, among others. An overview.
Show more