The visitors made the better start in front of 26,101 fans at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg. Serbia took the lead with less than 15 minutes on the clock with a goal from Eintracht Frankfurt's Luka Jovic (12'). The striker was completely unmarked from a corner and was able to direct his header past the 32-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into the net. Germany then took control of the game and created two good chances from Timo Werner on 22 minutes, with good work in the build-up from Kai Havertz, and on 37 minutes. Both times, the RB Leipzig striker was unable to beat the Serbian goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic.
Kai Havertz was substituted at half-time with Marco Reus coming on for the second half. The Germany team. coached by Joachim Löw, upped the pressure after the restart but missed a number of promising chances to level at 1-1 through Reus (59'), Leroy Sané (64') and Ilkay Gündogan (65'). However, there was not long to wait after that: Substitute Leon Goretzka netted the deserved equaliser with a shot from 15 yards out on 69 minutes. Julian Brandt was not on the pitch at this point. The lively Werkself pro was substituted on the hour mark.
After that, Sané (73') and Reus (75') had the best chances to put Germany 2-1 up. The friendly did end with an unsavoury scene: In added time (90+3'), Milan Pavkov cut down Sané with a reckless challenge that earned the Serbian a red card. The Manchester City winger was able to hobble off the pitch. Then came the end ofthe game that saw Jonathan Tah go the full distance.
Germany are back in action on Sunday 24 March with the first competitive international of the year. The Netherlands are the opponents in the European qualifier In Amsterdam. The match kicks off at 20.45 CET.
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
