
As in the 1-0 victory over Hungary on Saturday, the 28-year-old was again in goal for the full 90 minutes although his jaw operation meant he missed almost all of the pre-season and he has yet to make an appearance for the Werkself – a thoroughly positive signal for the coming weeks.
The internationals were less of a success for his team-mates: Charles Aránguiz and Chile drew 0-0 in a friendly against South Korea – the Werkself number 20 played for the first 45 minutes in his 66th international for La Roja. World Cup runner-up Tin Jedvaj (Croatia; League B, Group 3) and Aleksandar Dragovic (Austria; League B, Group 3) did not appear for their teams in the Nations League. Croatia suffered a setback with a 6-0 away defeat to Spain and Austria lost 1-0 to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
All four players are expected to return to Leverkusen tomorrow to join in with the build-up to the Bundesliga game against Bayern Munich on Saturday (15.30 CET).


Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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