The annual club Media Days started on Wednesday. The Bender twins were first under the lights for photos for autograph cards, video clips and GIFs. The Bayer 04 Women were in front of the camera on Thursday and the second half of the Werkself squad will follow on Friday. We've taken a look behind the scenes for you:
The Werkself had a day to relax, clear their heads and recover on Thursday – the last day off for a while. On Friday it's full steam ahead! In exactly a week, the team under Peter Bosz will be looking to secure their place in the finals tournament of the Europa League in the Round of 16 second leg against Glasgow Rangers at the BayArena (Thursday, 6 August, 18.55 CET). Leon Bailey looks forward full of expectation: "In this season, we have another opportunity to go through to a final. We are all highly motivated and will give 100% in every game. We are in a good position and now it's our chance – for the fans and for the club!"
Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes shared his assessment of the Europa League with the media: "The run of games is an unusual challenge for everybody. Above all, you have to keep a clear mind," declared the 38-year-old. "The lads went on holiday full of disappointment. But it's all part of football being able to deal with defeats, process them and gain new motivation for the forthcoming targets. We are ready to go and very focused," added Rolfes. Further statements will be available here at the weekend.
This week's father of a second child celebrates his 28th birthday. As there is no full training session, he can spend his day off with his family. Bayer 04 wish him all the best on his birthday. Have a great day, Kevin, and enjoy your time with the new addition to the family.
Bayer 04 legend Michael Ballack is supporting his youth team club Chemnitzer FC by providing 40 signed shirts from his playing days for an auction to prevent the financially struggling club going into receivership. There are also shirts from Ballack's time with Germany and Bayer 04. Fans can place their bids with our former number 13 HERE and, at the same time, support the eastern Germany club.
Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-1 derby win at 1. FC Köln Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season...
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There were celebrations among those in black and red at the RheinEnergieSTADION. On Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, the Werkself beat 1. FC Köln 2-0 and registered their sixth successive win in the derby. Aleix Garcia put Bayer 04 in front after just seven minutes with a direct free kick. Leverkusen played with discipline and energy after that and didn't allow some fierce challenges to unsettle them. Patrik Schick made it 2-0 in the 86th minute, and Said El Mala's goal in stoppage time for Köln proved nothing more than consolation. Jonas Hofmann crowned the derby win with his 100th appearance for the club.
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Bayer 04 have won each of their last five competitive encounters with 1. FC Köln, and it's around seven years since their last defeat in the cathedral city. That said, the hosts are in strong form at home and will make it anything but easy for the Werkself at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 15:30 CET). The Matchday News.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-0 win against Hamburger SV on Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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Bayer 04 Women closed the gap on the teams above them in the Bundesliga with a 2-0 win at home to Hamburger SV on Saturday afternoon. Roberto Pätzold's side bided their time at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion before second-half goals from Cornelia Kramer (58') and Lobke Loonen (90'+5) earned them a victory that moves them to within a point of third place, the final Champions League qualification spot.
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