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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without the two strikers in the immediate future. Caroline Kehrer suffered a torn ligament in her right knee and Amy Wrigge tore her cruciate ligament.
Show more
The #B04eSports players now have the next chance to win a trophy. After their elimination in the quarter-finals of the VBL Club Championship Final 2025/26, the German club championship, Marc and Sean Landwehr will compete with seven other teams in the finals of the DFB-ePokal 2026 with prize money totalling €65,000. The "highly motivated" Leverkusen team will face the defending champions FOKUS with well-known influencer Elias ‘EliasN97’ Nerlich in the quarter-finals in Frankfurt on Friday, 20 March (from 18:15 CET). The semi-finals and final will be played on Saturday, 21 March.
Show more
Bayer 04 host Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the 2025/26 DFB Pokal. The tie will be played on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, at the BayArena with the kick-off at 20:45 CEST. Information on ticket sales.
Show more
Bayer 04 have the chance to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the third time ever and the first in 14 years at Arsenal on Tuesday night (kick-off 21:00 CEST/20:00 local time). To do that, the Werkself not only require a strong performance like in the first leg, but also full concentration until the very last minute, as the Premier League leaders like to score late - as they did at the BayArena last week. Here's the Matchday News.
Show more
A special award for special social commitment. At this year's ceremony for the Sepp Herberger Awards in Wolfsburg on Monday night, the DFB Sepp Herberger Foundation recognised Bayer 04 in the social rehabilitation category. The Bundesliga club received the prize, together with €12,000, for its great service to inmates, particularly in the Wuppertal-Ronsdorf prison.
Show more
