Before the game, Patrik Schick was in a probable starting eleven both on paper and on screen. The fact that Werkself coach Peter Bosz did not play the new signing from the start is seen by kicker as a "clever decision." At the end of the day, the striker had only trained "since last Wednesday in Leverkusen after spending ten days at home in self-isolation without any sporting activity."
According to the EXPRESS, the Werkself match at VfL went through a warm-up phase. "The match in front of the 500 permitted spectators at the Wolfsburg Arena needed time to get going," reports the journal. Even though Bayer 04 "endeavoured to take control of the game from start", there was "an absence of penetration in attack."
The Süddeutsche Zeitung highlights the performance of Florian Wirtz, "who since the start of June has been the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Bundesliga and on 25 minutes he had the first chance of the game after a one-two with Moussa Diaby." Overall, the 17-year-old produced a "notable" performance.
That assessment concurs with the view of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger in its individual analysis. "He was involved whenever something surprising happened," praised the newspaper. For a long time, the biggest threat came from the youngest and slightest-built member of the Bayer team."
Bayer 04 had their best chances in the second half. "It could have ended in a Bayer victory," reports the BILD. "Diaby was denied by the VfL keeper Casteels (64'). And the substitute (…) new signing Schick (…) put a header over the bar (83')."
The fact the game ended in a goalless draw was not seen by the Rheinische Post as dropped points for the Werkself. "Even if the result doesn't sound like it," the RP begins their match report, "the 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg could be the first important point for Bayer Leverkusen in the race for the Champions League positions."
Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
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