Once again, Kai Havertz with 12 goals – as in 2018/19 (17 goals) – was the most prolific Leverkusen forward and he played a big part in the black and red attack that netted 63 goals this season. In a repeat of last season, Kai is followed by Kevin Volland (10), scoring double figures for the third campaign in succession, plus the Argentinian central striker Lucas Alario (7).
Havertz secured a record with one of his 12 goals: The winner in the 1-0 victory in the home game against SC Freiburg on matchday 29 was his 35th in the top flight. As our number 29 was only 20 years and 353 days old at the time, that goal set a record in the Bundesliga – no other player was younger when they reached that milestone.
Just one matchday later, exceptional talent Florian Wirtz also set a record with his curler past Germany keeper Manuel Neuer for the final goal in the 4-2 defeat against FC Bayern: At the age of 17 years, one month and three days, the Germany U17 international became the youngest ever goalscorer in the history the Bundesliga – and also in the Bayer 04 record books.
No other Werkself player needed less time on average to score a goal: The 19-year-old Paulinho scored three goals in 291 minutes on the pitch in the Bundesliga. The Brazilian, currently recovering from a torn cruciate, netted a brace in the four-home win against Eintracht Frankfurt. At the start of year, Paulinho played a crucial part in helping Brazil qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo with three goals in seven games. As with the European Championships, the Olympics have been postponed to next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This Bayer 04 player can outpace nearly everybody in the league: Leon Bailey's top speed this season was measured at 36.4 km/h in the game against Hertha Berlin on matchday 33. That sets a new record for a Leverkusen player since the recording of tracking data in 2013/14 and is also the third highest this season. Only Alphonso Davies (FC Bayern) and Dortmund's Achraf Hakimi were slightly quicker.
There are also positive stats to report from the defence: The Werkself have been able to rely on Lukas Hradecky in goal. The Finland goalkeeper, who was an ever-present this term, saved 100 shots and also kept 10 clean sheets. Hradecky also foiled 14 clear-cut chances from opponents – more than any other keeper this season. And the sports journal Kicker also recognises the achievements of the Leverkusen goalkeeper: Hradecky had the best marks of all the Bundesliga keepers. He also had the fourth best assessment of all the players in the league.
And finally, although not a record, the achievement of Sven Bender is still impressive. The central defender had 2,993 touches in 34 league games – that is only beaten by Joshua Kimmich (3,314). Sven Bender also has the highest pass completion rate in the team (95 per cent).
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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