With famous attractions like museums, art galleries and historic sites it is no surprise that the Spanish capital Madrid is so popular. So why not combine the Champions League away match for the Werkself with a couple of tours around the multifaceted metropolis? weloveholidays offers Bayer 04 fans exclusive holiday deals for the match in Madrid – click HERE for further information. In addition, there are the following tips for optimum preparation for the away trip.
For people looking to get their step count up: Tourists and locals are to be found on the Puerta del Sol square in the heart of Madrid. It's the best place to discover the historic side of Madrid. From here you can reach the Plaza Mayor, another significant square, and the Plaza de España where famous skyscrapers and fountains await.
Real foodies get their money's worth at several markets in Madrid including the Mercado de San Miguel and the Mercado San Antón. Here there are numerous food stands you can visit to taste typical Spanish delicacies. Anyone who wants to experience the authentic Madrid lifestyle should definitely make their way through the Barrio de La Latina quarter with its narrow and winding side streets. Here there are countless tapas bars serving typical Spanish dishes.
For cathedral lovers: One of the biggest cathedrals in Europe is the Catedral de la Almudena. There are also lots of other churches and cathedrals to discover such as the Colegiata de San Isidro and the Real Basílica San Francisco el Grande, which has one of the biggest domes in Europe.
For palace fans: The Palacio Real is the royal palace in Madrid and a real feast for the eyes. This magnificent building is one of the biggest palaces in Europe and the residence of the Spanish royal family. Inside there are luxurious halls, ornate paintings and an impressive armoury. The wonderful Sabatini Gardens are definitely worth a visit as they are right next to the palace and offer a breathtaking view of the city.
Art lovers are in the perfect spot at the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. The museum for modern art houses a number of works from Pablo Picasso. Madrid also has one of the most significant art museums in the world, the Museo del Prado containing over 4,000 works of art.
And time to relax: Ahead of the game it is worth taking a detour to Retiro Park where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the green surroundings. You can also go boating on the Lago Grande or visit the famous Glass Palace.
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed centre forward Christian Kofane. The 18-year-old Cameroonian joins Leverkusen from Spanish second tier club Albacete on a contract to 30 June 2029.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen will wear the new away kit for the 2025/26 season at the start of the training camp in Brazil. In conscious contrast to the international aspect of this year's training camp in Rio de Janeiro, kit supplier New Balance has designed a jersey for the Werkself players and all other Bayer 04 teams with distinct links to home.
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