The following dates are confirmed for this summer's pre-season preparations with others to follow and/or subject to minor changes:
Thursday, 5 July:
Return to training (performance tests at the BayArena)
Wednesday, 18 July:
Friendly against SV Roßbach/Verscheid (District League A) (18.00 CET, Sportplatz 'In der Au' in Roßbach/Wied)
Saturday, 21 July:
Friendly against Sportfreunde Siegen (Oberliga) (15 .00 CET, Leimbach Stadium Siegen)
Tuesday, 24 July:
Friendly against Wuppertaler SV (Regional League) (19.00 CET, Stadion am Zoo Wuppertal)
29 July to 5 August:
Training camp in Zell am See-Kaprun
17 to 20 August:
DFB Cup 2018/19, First Round (draw on 8 June)
Sunday, 19 August:
Season launch event including presentation of Werkself 2018/19 squad (at Neulandpark Leverkusen)
24 to 26 August:
Bundesliga 2018/19, matchday 1
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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