“There was no miracle but we saw a renaissance in controlled football. We created several clear-cut chances, which is not a given against Atlético," said Schade in his speech at the post-match banquet in the team hotel.
In addition to the players plus coaches and support staff, invitations to the event went out to representatives of the press, sponsors and many fans. They all listened intently to Schade when he gave his assessment of this season's European campaign. "We can leave the European stage for this season with our heads held high and not by the back door. We remain unbeaten away from home and we have played well, particularly in the group stage," said the CEO.
He finished by looking forward: "We want to experience games like this again next season. I'm sure, if we can take forward the power and enthusiasm shown today then we will again be able to qualify for Europe next season."
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...
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It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).
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