Now the Werkself can focus completely on the Bundesliga campaign: The Bosz charges have eleven games left this season including electrifying encounters with direct rivals for a European finish from Hoffenheim (29 March, 20.30 CET), Leipzig (6 April, 15.30 CET) and Frankfurt (3 to 6 May, to be confirmed). There are 33 points up for grabs – and, ideally, Peter Bosz would like to take the complete haul as he declared after the Dortmund game. Saturday sees the start with a home game against FC Freiburg kicking off at 15.30 CET.
Wednesday morning saw the start of preparations for the game against the team lying thirteenth in the table who are currently unbeaten in four games. In a 90-Minute session in springlike sunshine, the focus was on passing, moves, finishing and ended with a practice match. The werkself skipper Lars Bender was again able to train with the team, as he did on Friday, after recovering from a hamstring injury. Karim Bellarabi (hamstring) and Lucas Alario (rested) completed individual workouts in the facilities at the BayArena along with Joel Pohjanpalo who is currently recovering from an ankle injury.
And there was positive news for Panos Retsos. The 20-year-old Greek returned to training alongside his team-mates in a 60-minute session on a neighbouring pitch. That means he could soon return to full training.
The second international break of the 2025/26 season will begin after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin (Saturday, 4 October, 15:30 CEST). The latest information on call-ups.
Show moreAlejo Sarco and Argentina won their second group match at the U20 World Cup in Chile on Wednesday night. They beat Australia 4-1 with Sarco setting the tone early with a goal in the third minute. As in the first group game against Cuba, where Sarco scored twice, the 19-year-old was also named "Player of the Match" against Australia.
Show moreSecond game, second draw in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26: The Werkself were held to a 1-1 draw by Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on matchday two in the league phase. After an early but brief setback in the form of an offside goal by Ivan Perisic for the visitors (5'), the Werkself took control and created numerous good chances in the first half. Leverkusen took a deserved lead after the break in the 65th minute through Christian Kofane. However, PSV's Ismael Saibari replied a few minutes later to level at 1-1 (72').
Show moreIn the second match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, the Werkself host PSV Eindhoven this Wednesday evening, 1 October (kick-off: 21:00 CEST/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). PSV have injury problems but are in confident mood after winning two consecutive league titles. PSV coach Peter Bosz and keeper Matej Kovar are two familiar faces who have fond memories of their Bayer 04 days. The latest information on the UCL match at the BayArena can be found in out matchday news.
Show moreBayer 04 beat PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on matchday two to clock up the next three points in the UCL Youth League 2025/26. In front of just under 500 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, the visitors from the Netherlands led at half-time, but the Werkself turned the game round in the second 45. That makes it two wins on the bounce after the victory in Copenhagen.
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