The large number of fans, who made their way to the BayArena on the first day of the Easter holidays, were able to watch all the players with the exception of the two long-term absentees Karim Bellarabi and Joel Pohjanpalo – the captain Lars Bender, who was not in the squad for the Stuttgart game on Saturday, took part in the 70-minute session that focused on stamina work. Ahead of the duel against Nürnberg, the Werkself have another open session tomorrow before the Black and Reds continue preparing for the next home game behind closed doors on Thursday.
Kai Havertz was the only Werkself player to be included in the German Football League (bundesliga.de) Team of the Day on matchday 29. The primary reason was his third converted penalty of the season in the Bundesliga that proved to be the winner in the 1-0 victory over Stuttgart – no other player has achieved that at his age (19 years, 306 days). It was also goal number 13 of the season for Havertz who made his 100th appearance for the Werkself in Stuttgart on Saturday (including 83 in the Bundesliga). But that's not all: the young national player has netted his 20th goal in the league – only Horst Köppel achieved that at a younger age (19 years, 241 days; in 1966/67).
Last week, Bayer 04 received the 'Digital Champions Award' in the 'Digital Customer Experience' category. An internal (staff) app for the improvement of the stadium experience at the BayArena was assessed. With the help of the app, a large number of the members of staff at home games are supplied with important information via smartphones or tablets and, for example, it makes checking the kiosks easier. The 'Digital Champions Award' is an award for the German growth market in the area of digitisation and transformation and the target is to reward the most significant projects of SMEs and reach a wide audience.
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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