"An interesting draw, we are playing a club with a great football past. Our clear aim is to reach the second round. Of course, we also hope to have a true cup encounter where fans are finally able to provide an atmosphere for the two teams. That's what makes the DFB Cup special. We are looking forward to Leipzig," said sporting director Simon Rolfes after the draw.
FC Lokomotive Leipzig, reconstituted as VfB Leipzig after Germany's reunification and promoted to the Bundesliga in 1993, now play in the Regional League North-East and they qualified for this year's DFB Cup competition as winners of the Saxony Cup. The team is coached by Almadin Civa and their home ground is the prestigious Bruno Plache Stadium.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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