Austria's game against Ireland ended in great disappointment for the Werkself trio of Julian Baumgartlinger, Aleksandar Dragovic and Ramazan Özcan. A win for Austria would have put them level on points with the Irish but a painful 1-0 defeat could mean they are cut adrift in the World Cup qualifiers with only four games played. McClean scored the only goal of the game for the group leaders Ireland just after the break. Austria, already four points behind second spot, play Slovakia in a friendly on Tuesday. The three Bayer 04 pros played the full 90 minutes.
Turkey and Croatia were more successful. Turkey, with Hakan Calhanoglu playing the whole game, secured a regulation 2-0 win against underdogs Kosovo. After a goalless first half, the team coached by Fatih Terim netted two goals in quick succession with Burak (51') and Sen (55') getting on the scoresheet. That victory puts them back in touch with Iceland and Ukraine.
Croatia are top of Group I with ten points after a 2-0 win behind closed doors against the surprise team from Euro 2016 Iceland. It was the first defeat for Iceland in the current qualifying rounds. Brozovic scored both goals for Croatia (15',90') and Perisic was sent off. Tin Jedvaj did not play but he can hope to get a start in Tuesday’s friendly against Northern Ireland.
Chicha in last-minute winner
Mexico had every reason to celebrate. The team, with Bayer 04 striker Chicharito up front, ended a run of four defeats against the USA. This time Mexico won the important first and emotionally laden World Cup qualifier against the great rivals from the north 2-1. Jürgen Klinsmann, USA coach, saw the winner scored by the 37-year-old captain Rafael Marquez with a header on 89 minutes. Miguel Layun opened the scoring for Mexico on 20 minutes before the Hamburg SV player Bobby Wood levelled on 49 minutes. Mexico's next match is in Panama in the early hours of Wednesday.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
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