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)
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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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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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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