Two VBL clashes are shown live each week on Pro Sieben Maxx. For the Leverkusen duo Kai 'Deto' Wollin and Fabian 'B04_Dubzje' de Cae, it was the first TV matchday in the current season. "The broadcast was brilliantly organised. Of course, it's a bit different being live on television instead of playing at home," said 'Deto' who faced Hertha's 'EliasN97 Nerlich on PlayStation in the first individual match.
Hertha mainly restricted themselves to defensive work and they took the lead through an unfortunate situation from the perspective of the Bayer 04 player. 'Deto' continued to battle and levelled at 1-1 on 70 minutes – but that was it. The draw in the first game of the night meant that the Black and Reds had no chance of being top at Christmas. But second spot was within reach.
Wollin's partner, Fabian 'B04_Dubzje' de Cae, has been extremely successful up-to-date. After the outstanding Bremen player Michael 'Megabit' Bittner, the Bayer 04 eSports player has the most wins this season – and another came against the Old Lady from the capital (victory number 14). 'B04_Dubzje' gave his opposite number Leon 'HBSC Blackarrow' Aussieker no chance on Xbox.
After 45 minutes score was already 4-0 and the scoreboard showed 4-1 in the end – and second place was secured. "I dominated the game over 90 minutes. I think, the first half was my best to date in the VBL," said de Cae who was more than happy ahead of the doubles match.
And it was "an evenly balanced clash", said 'Deto' ahead of the last match of the evening. The final score of 1-1 was a fair result and it led the former world champion to draw the following conclusion: "We've picked up five points and won the matchday, so we can be happy with that. We'll try to play as well in the second half of the season and see what happens in the end."
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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