On Sunday 1 March (kick-off: 15.30 CET) the Werkself in fifth place play the team second in the table at the Red Bull Arena. "It will be a highly interesting top match with two teams in good shape and on a good run," said Bosz full of anticipation. The fact that Leipzig, unlike the Werkself, did not have a game during the week is not particularly significant. The Dutchman added: "Perhaps they will want to be very aggressive against us at the start. But we know Leipzig, have often played them and watched them a lot."
Following the return from Porto, the Werkself were soon back on the training ground at the BayArena. A recovery session plus a normal workout for players not in the starting eleven at Porto were on the agenda. Charles Aránguiz took part. The Chilean missed the trip to Portugal due to the after-effects of a cold. "We'll have to wait and see after tomorrow's training session," said Bosz in reference to a possible appearance for his holding midfielder against Leipzig. Lars Bender, who was substituted in the Porto game, is undergoing a medical today and more will be known about the captain tomorrow.
Immediately before flying out from Porto, winger Moussa Diaby found out his son Ismail had been born in Paris. His team mates congratulated the Frenchman on board the plane. After landing at Cologne/Bonn Airport, the new father drove straight off in the direction of Paris to see his newborn for the first time. "We're all really happy for him," declared Bosz. "We'll wait and see what happens with him. We don't know at the moment."
The day after qualifying for the Europa League Round of 16, the head coach briefly looked back at last night's game at the Estádio do Dragão. "The team did very well. It wasn't our best game but it was a convincing win against a good opponent. We controlled the game, dominated and deserved to win."
The targets after nine wins in ten games remain the same. Bosz: "Our aim is to carry on trying to win every game – and that's worked out really well recently. It's not worth looking too far ahead with two games a week. We only focus on the next opponent."
Shortly after landing in Germany, Bosz and Co. discovered their opponents in the Europa League Round of 16. The Werkself play Rangers on 12 and 19 March. The Dutchman is looking forward to the clashes with the top Scottish side: "They are a good opponent with a great history in football. And it will be the first game at Ibrox for me."
Match information:
Attendance: 1,000 Bayer 04 fans are travelling to Leipzig.
Broadcaster: Sky (TV), Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Berlin)


Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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