Special encounters at the first away game: The new head coach at Borussia Mönchengladbach this season is Gerardo Seoane, the predecessor of Werkself coach Xabi Alonso. Speaking at yesterday's pre-match press conference, the Spaniard said it will be the first time the two have met and that he is looking forward to it. In addition, two Bayer 04 new signings will meet up with some very familiar faces this evening: Granit Xhaka played for the Foals from 2012 to 2016, Jonas Hofmann from 2016 to the summer of 2023. The clubs have previously met 105 times (43 wins, 32 draws, 30 defeats). The last fixture was in May when the game ended all square at 2-2.
The Foals are currently in a state of flux. A number of new players plus a new head coach have been brought in to get Borussia moving up the table again after two disappointing seasons. Gladbach were unable to pick up three points in their first outing this term with the opening match against FC Augsburg producing an action-packed 4-4 draw. A difficult to predict a result that showed the Foals knew how to score but at the same time are susceptible in defence. Borussia were 3-1 up against FC Augsburg before going 4-3 down and only saving a point with a penalty in added time (90+7'). Further information on the Foals is available in our lowdown on the next opponents.
The German Football Association (DFB) has put the experienced referee Christian Dingert in charge of today's game. For the 43-year-old match official, this will be his thirteenth game involving the Werkself (five wins, three draws, five defeats).Dingert will be assisted by Benedikt Kempkes and Nikolai Kimmeyer on the touchlines and Felix Zwayer is on VAR duty.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's away game at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick and Philip Konrad (RTL football commentator). In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text update service are available at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app – just log on.
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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The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
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The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
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