Back
30.11.2018Bayer 04

Schreck debut for the pros, Özcan in the Europa League

Last night, the Werkself took the next step towards winning the group in the Europa league with a 1-1 draw in the home game against Ludogorets. And youngster Sam Schreck can also be happy about the next step: The 19-year-old, who has been in the first team squad at Bayer 04 since the start of the season, made his first appearance for Leverkusen in a competitive match.
Schreck_Paulinho.jpg

The blonde forward was up and down the wings for 73 minutes before making way for Kai Havertz. On 48 minutes,  the Pinneberg-born player, signed from the FC St Pauli youth team in 2016 (50 U19 appearances, 14 goals) plus two recent  U 20 international caps for Germany (one goal), had the first chance in the second half  but his  shot from a tight angle landed just the wrong side of the post. "Sam had a very decent performance," praised Heiko Herrlich after the youngster's first appearance.

50 European games for Lars Bender

And the meeting with Ludogorets was also special for two other players: Ramazan 'Rambo' Özcan was in goal in a Europa League match for the first time. For that reason, the 34-year-old Austrian secured the match ball after the final whistle. Lars Bender (introduced on 63 minutes) made his 50th appearance on the European stage last night –  28 games in the Champions League and 22 in the Europa League. The Werkself skipper has worn the Bayer 04 shirt in all his European matches.

There was a tragic conclusion to the first game of the season for Panagiotis Retsos. The 20-year-old, who suffered a broken hand and a torn right thigh ligament in the pre-season, made his comeback against Ludogorets. Unfortunately, the central defender suffered an injury in a challenge on the half-hour mark and he had to go off with a suspected muscle injury – the exact extent of the injury will be revealed with an MRI scan today.

Related News

Edmond Tapsoba und Alejandro Grimaldo
Bayer 04 - 04.03.2026

Vote for Tapsoba or Grimaldo as February Player of the Month now!

Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has announced the six nominees for the February 2026 Bundesliga Player of the Month award. Not one, but two Werkself players are on the list in Edmond Tapsoba and Alejandro Grimaldo. Supporters of the Black-and-Reds have from now until midnight on Sunday 8 March to vote!

Show more
Jarell Quansah
Bayer 04 - 03.03.2026

Vote now for Quansah as BL ‘Rookie of the Month’ for February

The German Football League (DFL) has announced the three candidates for Bundesliga ‘Rookie of the Month’ for February. Among the candidates is Werkself player Jarell Quansah. Fans of Bayer 04 can vote for their favourite on the Bundesliga app from now until Thursday, 5 March (23:59 CET).

Show more
Fans
Bayer 04 - 02.03.2026

Following action against black market activities: Season tickets reallocated to fans on waiting list

Bayer 04 have once again significantly stepped up measures against the unauthorised resale of tickets and, as a result, reallocated a certain number of season tickets to fans on the waiting list. In doing so, the club wants to send a clear message: Tickets belong in the hands of those who have purchased these tickets legitimately and obtained them via official Bayer 04 channels and who support the Werkself. At the same time, the tickets should be available at the regular fixed prices.

Show more
Arthur Ausfall
Bayer 04 - 01.03.2026

Arthur sidelined by ankle injury

Bayer 04 will have to manage without Brazilian player Arthur for the next few weeks. The full-back tore a ligament in his left ankle in yesterday's Bundesliga match against Mainz 05 (1-1).

Show more