The Werkself have a good record at the BayArena. Schmidt’s team have not lost any of the last eight European games at home and the hope is the run continues. “We have to show what we can do on the pitch,” said Jonathan Tah at the press conference ahead of matchday three in the group stage – looking back at the weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.
Spurs will present the Werkself with a tough challenge. Tottenham are the only unbeaten team in England’s top flight and Roger Schmidt travelled to London to watch this week’s opponents secure a convincing 2-0 win at home to league leaders Manchester City. “I saw a great game and a team from London that invested a lot in attack. They are also very solid at the back and they don’t give much away,” said Schmidt.
It remains to be seen whether Lars Bender can recover in time from a bout of flu. “He’s a bit better but not 100 per cent fit. We’ll have to wait and see if he makes it,” said Schmidt. The skipper did take part in the final pre-match training session.
The ticket offices are open today. Category IV (€42, concessions €28) and category II (€60, concessions €44) tickets are available in the Leverkusen section in blocks B1, F6 and F8.
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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