There was a slight setback ahead of the international break. After a brilliant start to the season, FC Bayern suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt on the last matchday. For coach Julian Nagelsmann it was the first defeat as the Bayern coach following a run of nine wins in succession and a draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach at the start. "I didn't think the game was massively different from the matches in recent weeks," said Nagelsmann after the Frankfurt game where his team were frustrated by the outstanding Eintracht keeper Kevin Trapp. "Only the result was different." A result that means the serial champions are joined at the top of the Bundesliga – by Bayer 04 were now level on points with FC Bayern. Overall it has been an outstanding start Nagelsmann and his men from Munich. In the Champions League, his team put Barcelona in their place with a 3-0 victory and then produced a goal fest in a 5-0 win against Dynamo Kiev. And the record champions also secured a 12-0 win against Bremer SV in the first round of the DFB Cup.
FC Bayern not had serious injury worries to date but there is a slight question mark over the right-back position. The usual first choice Benjamin Pavard is suspended for the Werkself match after a red card at Fürth. Nagelsmann played central defender Niklas Süle in that position against Frankfurt. It is possible that Josip Stanisic could be preferred at Leverkusen. The home-grown player has appeared in every Bundesliga match with three starts the date and very good reviews.
Apart from Pavard, only reserve keeper Sven Ulreich is definitely ruled out with torn knee ligaments. The two Frenchmen Corentin Tolisso (calf problems) and Kingsley Coman (heart operation) have both been sidelined but Nagelsmann has expressed the hope that both players might be available at Leverkusen. That appears realistic with Coman as the speedy offensive player has been back in full training since the end of last week. Coman would be an option for either of the two attacking positions on the flanks. Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry have both been on top form on the flanks recently so it is possible that Coman will start on the bench.
The whole squad from front to back is full of world-class players. It is difficult to single out a particularly strong part of the team – and equally to point to a weak spot. Every team obviously has to keep an eye out for the world's best player at the moment. Robert Lewandowski is almost scoring at will this season with 13 goals in 10 games to date and the Pole leads the strongest attack in the Bundesliga. FCB have created the most clear-cut chances, have the most shots on goal and – no surprise – have also scored the most goals.
Everything was running like clockwork at FC Bayern up to the Frankfurt match – and there are two slight problems in the current season appeared that ended up leading to a defeat. The best attack in the league could score more goals if they were more effective. A host of really good chances was not enough at Frankfurt to score more than one goal. "If we take our chances then it could have been 3-1 or 4-1," said Thomas Müller. And the current percentage conversion rate of clear-cut chances of 63% is only middling in the Bundesliga. In defence, Bayern are susceptible in the air. The equaliser at 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt came from Martin Hinteregger and it was the third headed goal conceded in seven games – too many for the standards of FC Bayern.
As in the past, the road to the league title only leads by FC Bayern. The club have found an outstanding coach in Julian Nagelsmann who can seamlessly carry on the success story of Hansi Flick. The squad meets the highest standards – and if the team remains free of too many injuries then FC Bayern have a great chance of registering their tenth Bundesliga title in succession. And the top German team are again amongst the favourites in the Champions League. Here it will depend on Bayern being able to maintain their top form into the spring.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
Show more
There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
Show more
Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
Show more
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
