The international break is over and the Blacks and Reds return to Bundesliga action. VfL Bochum visit the BayArena for the first time since August 2009. It is the start of the end of year run-in: "We know we didn't pick up the points we needed in the period before the international break," declared Gerardo Seoane, "but we also know the circumstances of recent weeks. The team have really put in a shift recently."
They "played well" against Real Betis (4-0) and "passed the test in terms of mentality and group dynamics" in the 1-1 draw away to Hertha Berlin. The Werkself performances are on the right track. Seoane: "These two games give us a good feeling but they are way back in the past. There have been a number of internationals in between. It's as if we're starting all over again."
The Swiss coach will definitely have to manage without Julian Baumgartlinger, Mitchel Bakker, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Lucas Alario on Saturday as they are all injured. With the rest of the squad it is a question of waiting for a reaction to the final training session and considering the risks given the seven remaining matches to the Christmas break.
Florian Wirtz, who has recently been suffering with muscular problems to his hip, is an option for the clash with VfL. "Flo is not in pain at the moment but he can't get over it completely overnight. We'll have to keep an eye on him. His physical condition is looking very positive at the moment."
The team from Castroper Straße have won three of their last four Bundesliga matches – against TSG Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt (both 2-0) and at Greuther Fürth (1-0). "They have performed really well recently," emphasised the 43-year-old before adding: "We need to enjoy our game and keep moving to find solutions against a well-organised opponent."
Following the 4-0 home win against Real Betis in the Europa League, the Werkself definitely want to pick up three points at home in the Bundesliga. "Obviously," Seoane said, "we always want to get a result at home and three points if possible. That's what we aim for. But the important thing is to do what we need to make that happen." Or put another way: What happens on the pitch is crucial.
22,000 tickets have been sold for the North Rhine-Westphalia clash on Saturday afternoon. The 2G rule applies at the BayArena as in recent games. Anybody who has been vaccinated against or has recovered from Covid-19 can purchase tickets online until just before kick-off; ticket offices will not open on matchday. HERE is the key fan information.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 0-2 loss at 1. FC Nürnberg on Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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After nine points from their first three away matches of the 2026/27 season, the Bayer 04 Women suffered their first away defeat on Sunday afternoon. The 2-0 defeat away to FC Nürnberg, who were winless before today, represented a setback for coach Roberto Pätzold’s team in the race for the top spots in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Fany Pronietz scored both goals (62’, 85’) for the home side.
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After six consecutive wins, the Werkself have hit a rough patch: Bayer 04 lost 3-0 away to TSG Hoffenheim. Andrej Kramaric put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot (79'), with Alexander Prass and Max Moerstedt adding to the tally shortly before full-time (89’/90+5’). After ten matches under Carles Martínez, with the Black and Reds always scoring at least twice, Leverkusen failed to find the net for the first time.
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The Werkself still have a score to settle with TSG Hoffenheim: Bayer 04 lost both matches against the Kraichgau side last term – after the Black and Reds had won all the previous five encounters. Leverkusen are currently on a roll and looking to kick off a new winning streak against TSG in Sinsheim on Sunday 25 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), and Patrik Schick is keen to continue his current run of form. However, it will not be easy, as coach Christian Ilzer’s team have also gained confidence recently. Today’s matchday news.
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