Ahead of kick-off, the players and fans ensured a really emotional moment: While Kies' team-mates warmed up in shirts with his number on, the fans produced an impressive choreography that stretched across the whole of the North and East Stand terraces during the official farewell by Michael Schade and Rudi Völler.
During the game against Hannover 96, it took a while for the striker to process his first impressions of his final game. With the match drawing to a close, he came off the bench and the fans went wild. "We want Stefan!" rang through the BayArena until the substitution happened: Kießling came on in the 83rd minute to make his 403rd and final Bundesliga appearance.
The scenes after the final whistle in Stefan's second home did not leave a dry eye in the house: There were kisses from his wife Norina and their children before Kies set off on a long lap of honour that ended up with his fellow players and the fans at the North Stand. After further vocal appreciation and the bumps from his team-mates, Kies' final speech made it clear: It was a fairy-tale farewell.
A group of journalists representing Latin American and Spanish-language media outlets visited the BayArena on Thursday for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Bayer 04 and interviews with key personnel that have driven the team’s brand to new heights internationally over the last few years.
Show moreThe start of the new season of the VBL Club Championship by WOW produced two wins and one defeat for Leverkusen, including a victory against SC Paderborn 07, semi-finalists last season and double winners in 2023/24. The Leverkusen gamers were beaten by 1. FSV Mainz 05, runners-up in the South-East Division last year.
Show moreEleven days after the floodlight failure, the Bayer 04 Women rescued a point in the rescheduled Bundesliga derby at 1. FC Köln thanks to a late dream goal from Katharina Piljic. The Werkself drew 2-2 at the Franz Kremer Stadion on Thursday evening. Vanessa Fudalla (76') from the penalty spot and Piljic with a shot from the centre circle (88') gave the Black and Reds a late reprieve. Leverkusen, who are now been unbeaten against their Rhineland neighbours for almost four years, remain fourth in the table with the draw following five consecutive wins.
Show moreThe date for the Bayer 04 Women's DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie has been set. As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Wednesday, the Leverkusen Women will play league rivals Hamburger SV on Sunday, 16 November at 15:00 CET.
Show more