The first stop was at the Bayer AG headquarters in the south of São Paulo. Some 200 guests were present including a large number of Bayer employees. The event was also streamed live to other Bayer locations in Latin America. Simon Rolfes talked about the long-standing connection between Bayer 04 and the country through Brazilian players who have appeared for the Werkself, and he also once again reviewed the historic double winning season.
"We know we already have a lot of fans in Brazil for decades through our history with lots of Brazilian players. We also have a strong connection to the Bayer Group here," said Rolfes before adding: "Therefore, it's important for us to be here on the spot to share last year's fantastic season with you. Bringing the trophies here goes without saying for us because Brazilian players and fans were always, and are now too, an important part of our success." Afterwards Rolfes fielded a host of questions in a relaxed session with the audience. Of course, selfies with the three trophies were in great demand.
Arturo Sánchez, president of Bayer Consumer Health Latin America and Asia/Pacific, was also delighted: "I'm happy to be able to welcome Bayer 04 here. I believe there are a lot of parallels between the Bayer company structure and a football team. In our company we have to produce results and always think about the strategies needed so we can win in the market. And in football it's about being successful and dealing with the challenge of meeting the constant pressure. Bayer 04 were outstanding in that respect last season. We are proud to be part of it." Rolfes, Paulo Sergio, Bayer 04 legend and 1994 World Cup winner, plus Kim Falkenberg, head of recruitment at Bayer 04, rounded off the afternoon with an official presentation of a jersey to Sánchez.
Later in the evening, there was a Champions Night organised by Bayer Brazil for partners and invited members of the media. Here too, the trophies were the most popular subject to photo. Sergio provided an emotional summary of the day: "Being a Bayer 04 ambassador and bringing the club closer to Bayer Brazil and the people here in my home country means very much to me. I've worked towards achieving that."
Rolfes, Sergio and Co. have a meeting with the German-Brazilian Chamber of Foreign Trade on Wednesday. Bayer 04 are also set to conclude a partnership with the Plastiks company and visit a green mining recycling station.
Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Construction work continues on the ‘Haus der Talente’ on Kurtekottenweg in Leverkusen, where 36 young elite athletes will find a new home from next summer. The building team from Temmink Bau, led by Thomas Wellers, are hard at work. Over the past few days, excavators, wheeled loaders and rollers have removed 2,500 cubic metres of soil to excavate the basement.
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