And then it's back onto the balcony in the South Stand – in front of the fans. A cardboard Meisterschale in hand, the stadium microphone amongst the group. Werner Wenning, Fernando Carro, Simon Rolfes, Xabi Alonso, Lukas Hradecky, Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka and Co. direct emotional words to the fans. And the party is in full swing.
Armed with plenty of cold drinks, part of the team storm head coach Xabi Alonso's press conference on the first floor. The Spaniard gets a soaking – but that's all part of the fun.
It's time to celebrate! The team toast the historic title win in the home dressing room at the BayArena. The mood is relaxed and beer is flowing! After that, it's onto the balcony in the South Stand at the BayArena – in front of the fans.
There's no holding back! A few seconds after Florian Wirtz makes it 5-0, the referee blows for full-time – and the fans stream onto the pitch from all sides. There are emotional moments between the players and the fans that will never be forgotten. There are floods of tears, warm embraces and full throated cries of celebration. We've done it! Bayer are champions of Germany!
The Werkself are champions of Germany with the brilliant 5-0 display including a Wirtz hat-trick. 29 Bundesliga games unbeaten, a 16-point lead over the rivals from Munich and Stuttgart. The Werkself have more than deserved to lift this title.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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