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.
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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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