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Xabi Alonso is expecting a “big match” on Sunday when last season’s third-placed finishers entertain the runners-up from last term. “We will face a strong opponent with great players,” added the Spanish coach. BVB, just like the Werkself, have started the league campaign in 2023 with two wins: A spectacular 4-3 home victory over FC Augsburg was followed by 2-1 win away to Mainz 05.
The Werkself have not lost at the BayArena in the league since the beginning of September last year: Four wins and two draws is the return in the Bundesliga since then. Above all, Xabi Alonso sees the support of the Black and Red fans as a decisive factor for the strong home form: “The connection with our fans is very good. Whenever we have a difficult phase in a game, and that happens in every match, we feel great support from our fans in the stands. That really helps us.”
As a reason for the upturn – the Werkself have picked up 15 of their 24 points in the last five matches – Alonso includes the significantly increased stability in defence. “We are defending better, the spaces are tighter, everybody helps each other. That gives us great security and in turn we are also stronger when we’re on the attack.”
Asked about a possible return to the matchday squad for Patrik Schick, Alonso said on Friday afternoon: “Patrik feels much better, he trained with the team today and he is close to getting back. We’ll see tomorrow if it’s enough for Sunday.” Schick, the second highest scorer in the Bundesliga in 2021/22, has recently suffered from a groin problem. The last appearance for the 27-year-old centre-forward dates back to 1 November. Charles Aránguiz (calf problem) will definitely not be available on Sunday.
Florian Wirtz is fully prepared for the game against Borussia Dortmund. Alonso’s response to a question: “He’s ready for another start. After a long-term injury like that, every minute of competitive football is important to regain the highest fitness level.” Following a brief appearance against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-2), the 19-year-old was in the starting line-up again for the first time in Wednesday’s 2-0 win against VfL Bochum and he received a vocal welcome from the Werkself fans. He repaid their support with a fine assist for the goal at 2-0 scored by Adam Hlozek.
The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated worldwide on 3 December. Together with Bayer AG, Bayer 04 is once again setting an example for diversity and inclusion by lighting up the BayArena in purple in the evening.
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To celebrate the Werkself victory at Borussia Dortmund and to thank the fans for their fantastic support at the stadium and at home, Bayer 04 is reducing the price of all jerseys by up to 40 euros! What's more, player or customised printing is free with selection of the DFB Pokal badge and stylish Talcid sleeve logo. Special prizes will also be raffled among all purchasers. All promotions run exclusively on the Bayer 04 online shop until Wednesday, 3 December, 11:59 CET.
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For the second time in four days, Bayer 04 face Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday evening, 2 December (kick-off: 21:00 CET) - this time in the round of 16 of the DFB Pokal, with more than 7,000 fans supporting the Werkself at Signal Iduna Park. After the recent 2-1 defeat to BVB in the league, several cup stats provide hope of revenge for the Black and Reds. There are several reasons why Bayer 04 recommends getting to the round of 16 clash early, in which VAR will be in use, unlike in the previous rounds. Read on for further information on tonight’s game in our matchday news.
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Just three days on from the Bundesliga meeting in Leverkusen, Bayer 04 now visit Borussia Dortmund in the DFB Pokal on Tuesday (21:00 CET). Ahead of the game at the Signal Iduna Park, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about how to approach this second encounter in 72 hours and a number of developments within the squad.
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