Bayer 04 player Paulinho had good reason to celebrate overnight. The Brazilian scored to take the Seleção Olímpica through to the Olympic Games. In the final group, where two of the four teams were able to qualify for Tokyo 2020, the final matchday brought the clash with the Argentina U23 team. A victory against the already qualified team was a must otherwise Brazil would not make the Olympic Games.
Brazil, who had drawn 1-1 with both Uruguay and Colombia, were first out of the blocks. And Paulinho was centre stage. After just 13 minutes, the Werkself forward controlled a long ball with his chest, set himself and then scored with his left foot to give his team an early lead. A brace from Matheus Cunha (Hertha Berlin) took the scoreline to 3-0 (30', 55'). As Paulinho provided the assist for the final goal, the 19-year-old was the top provider of the tournament with three goals and four assists.
His team-mates were no less successful in the hours before. They displayed great determination in a fascinating home game against Borussia Dortmund (final score: 4-3). "It was hard work," said double goalscorer Kevin Volland to Bayer 04 TV after the game. In addition to the important three points, there was another reward for the performance from head coach Peter Bosz: A day off training on Monday. Tomorrow morning, the Black and Reds have an open training session at 11.30 CET at the start of preparations for the away game at Union Berlin. The kick-off at the Alte Försterei Stadium on Saturday 15 February is at 15.30 CET.
Striker Kevin Volland is currently the most prolific Werkself player in the current Bundesliga campaign with nine goals from 21 league games. His double against Borussia Dortmund takes the 27-year-old from tenth to eighth place in the all-time stats for Leverkusen Bundesliga goalscorers. The left-footer moves above Oliver Neuville (42 goals) and draws level with Arne Larson Ökland (43). Volland is the most successful of all the goalscorers still playing. Top of the pops in the list of Bayer 04 goalscorers is the legend Ulf Kirsten with an impressive 182 goals.
The former Werkself player, now at Borussia Dortmund, Julian 'Jule' Brandt suffered an injury against his former club at the BayArena on Saturday night just a few minutes into the game. He had to go off at half-time. The diagnosis: a torn ankle ligament. The 23-year-old will miss the home game against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday night, 14 February (kick-off: 20.30 CET). It remains to be seen how long he will be out of action. We wish him a speedy recovery.
In spite of the injury, Brandt took time out to visit his former team-mates after the final whistle in the home dressing room. There was a lot of chat and sympathy. That meant 'Jule' was able to leave his old stomping ground with a smile even if somewhat pained.
When the teams ran out in the last home game against Borussia Dortmund, the North Stand revealed a large piece of choreography. In the background, the Werkself fans held up black and red cards and in the front of the stand there was a block flag with a death’s head motif. Individual letters revealed in Leverkusen script, "Leverkusen till we die", the motto of the choreography. The colourful and atmospheric reception seemed to have made an impression given the final score and the committed performance by the Werkself on the pitch…
Within the framework of the clash with Dortmund, the fans in the North Stand welcomed the former Bayer 04 managing director Reiner 'Calli' Calmund with a banner ("Thanks Calli for the years of plenty! All the best!"). The recipient was clearly moved: "It's not usual to be associated with the success of the club 16 years after leaving it. I was incredibly pleased." The message from the fans is a reference to the gastrectomy the 71-year-old has recently undergone due to him being overweight.
Bayer Leverkusen have a special offer for supporters to celebrate carnival: As of now, an exclusive carnival bundle is available to purchase. This consists of a ticket for the Europa League home game against Porto (20 February, 21.00 CET) and the Bundesliga home game against FC Augsburg (23 February, 15.30 CET) plus the Bayer 04 carnival scarf. The seats are the same for both games. The offer runs until the kick-off of the Porto game. The bundle can be purchased through the usual channels but the package will only available from the fan shops from 14 February.
Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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A warm welcome to Leverkusen, Afonso Moreira! Bayer 04 have signed the 21-year-old Portuguese player from the top-flight French club Lyon. The left-winger has signed a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2031. Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the new signing.
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From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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