The intensive battle in the Europa League has left its mark on the Black and Red squad. Gerardo Seoane at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon: "Up to now there are no announcements about new injuries. A few players had a couple of knocks yesterday so that the availability of certain players is not yet certain. We'll have to wait and see how good recovery is up to Sunday."
Striker Lucas Alario remains a doubt. The Argentinian was on the bench against Real Betis. "It's a bit of a balancing act with him." He's "been carrying physical problems around" for some time, added Seoane. The 29-year-old therefore had reduced training on Friday. "We're trying to do everything to see that our players remain fit and healthy – that's the most important thing. If there is progress with Lucas then he will be in the squad on Sunday."
Head coach Seoane expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his team against the side from Seville. "Yesterday was a good example of how all players play for the team, and how much defensive work the front players did too. That gives us an incredible boost."
The Swiss boss is expecting that same commitment for the Bundesliga clash with Hertha Berlin. In the side currently lying twelfth in the league, Seoane sees "a team that is extremely compact, strong in challenges and physical. We won't get much space and will therefore have to be fully committed in challenges."
For the first time this season, fans will again be permitted in the East Stand at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the game against the Werkself. A total of 37,500 spectators will be at the match in accordance with the 3G rule and Lukas Hradecky and Co. can look forward to the backing of around 1,000 Black and Red supporters in the stands – and everyone is hoping for another three points ahead of the international break.
The highly successful and mutually appreciated partnership between Bayer 04 and head coach Xabi Alonso ends after two and a half years. The 43-year-old Spaniard has led the Werkself to three trophies. Above all, winning the first German league title in the club's history will always be associated with the name of Xabi Alonso. The former world class player, who won many hearts in Leverkusen as a person, now says farewell to Bayer 04. We look back at a fantastic time with the Basque who fulfilled the biggest dream of all Bayer 04 fans together with an outstanding team.
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A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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A cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be the first Bundesliga club to open and operate a football academy in Brazil. The "Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo," led by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sérgio, will be established on the Bayer Brazil campus in São Paulo and accommodate up to 300 children and youth ages 5 to 15.
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