The day before the showdown in London, Roger Schmidt and his players had the chance to see the hallowed turf at close quarters in the final pre-match training session and it was in good condition.
That is not a given as the NFL footballers made a European guest appearance on Sunday night but Wembley would not be Wembley without its splendid turf. The popular legend associated with this impressive stadium also drew enthusiasm from experienced figures such as Schmidt and Chicharito. “The match is an absolute highlight,” said the head coach at the pre-match press conference: “We’ve played at the Camp Nou and the Calderon Stadium but this here is something special! But the main thing tomorrow for us is it’s a very important game.”
The situation in Group E could hardly be more exciting: Just three points separates the four teams – with each club having the chance of making the last 16 in their own hands. Proof of that balance was evident in the goalless draw at the BayArena two weeks ago. “That’s why we know how difficult it is to play against Tottenham,” said Schmidt before adding: “In the second half we showed how we could play it.”
Tah and Toprak on board
Recent injury absentees Jonathan Tah and Ömer Toprak could provide strength in defence against a positive Spurs team. Both central defenders travelled and were involved in the final pre-match training session and “we’ve got good reason to think they will be in the squad,” said Schmidt. In contrast, the captain Lars Bender is ruled out due to an injury suffered at the weekend. The hosts Tottenham also have injury problems and will probably have to make do without defensive stalwart Toby Alderweireld and star striker Harry Kane. And there is also a question mark over midfielder Erik Lamela.
Leverkusen will have the support of around 2,000 fans in London. The prospect of a large crowd at Wembley Stadium makes it worthwhile arriving early and using public transport. Werkself fans not at the game can keep up with the action in England’s capital via social networks including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. It’s worth logging on.
It has been a long time since feeling what it’s like to come away empty-handed. The last – and so far only – defeat of the season, in Elversberg, was two months ago. Since then, Bayer 04 have followed that up with seven wins and a draw. Now it has happened again away to TSG Hoffenheim. As the match progressed, the Werkself grew in confidence and “could even have scored the opening goal”, as Robert Andrich said after the game. In the end, it was the side from Sinsheim who sealed a 3–0 victory after “hectic closing stages” (kicker). The Werkself review.
Show more
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 0-2 loss at 1. FC Nürnberg on Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
Show more
Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 0-3 loss at TSG Hoffenheim on Matchday 7 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season...
Show more
After nine points from their first three away matches of the 2026/27 season, the Bayer 04 Women suffered their first away defeat on Sunday afternoon. The 2-0 defeat away to FC Nürnberg, who were winless before today, represented a setback for coach Roberto Pätzold’s team in the race for the top spots in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Fany Pronietz scored both goals (62’, 85’) for the home side.
Show more
