Bayer 04 suffered a last-minute defeat in the first leg against AS Monaco: Axel Disasi only scored the 3-2 winner for Monaco in the second minute of added time. "Of course it hurts that we didn't win the first leg," said Xabi Alonso. "But I've seen in the preparation for the second leg over the last few days that all the players are absolutely ready to fight for victory tomorrow. We definitely want to go through to the next round!” The Werkself will be supported by around 750 visiting fans at the Stade Louis II.
When asked about the heated final moments in the first leg, Alonso explained: "Tomorrow we have to find the right balance between emotion and control. We learned a lot from the first leg, so we have a clear plan for tomorrow. It’s important we take risks at the right time.”
At the press conference, some details of Moussa Diaby and Patrik Schick were met with great interest from the media representatives. Centre forward Schick, who has been injured since November, was on the pitch for more than half an hour last weekend against Mainz and scored to equalise for the Werkself 2-2. “We were all very happy about that. Of course, he will need some time to get back to top form. But we see him on a very good path,” explained Xabi Alonso.
Moussa Diaby, on the other hand, had to sit out against Mainz due to a small muscle injury from the Monaco first leg. However, the France international was able to complete parts of the final training session today and travelled to Monaco. Alonso spoke about the chances of using the lightning-fast winger in the second leg: "Tomorrow we will weigh up the risks with the medical department and Moussa."
They had their hands full in the VAR centre in Cologne: eight goals were scored at the MEWA Arena on Saturday afternoon, but only four of them were allowed in the end as the Werkself and 1. FSV Mainz 05 closed the season with a 2-2 draw. It means Bayer 04 end the 2024/25 campaign as runners-up with 69 points, representing the fourth-best season in the club's history. What's more, the Werkself are now unbeaten away from home in two whole Bundesliga seasons, with their last away defeat coming exactly two years ago on Matchday 34 of the 2022/23 season at VfL Bochum. The Black-and-Reds can continue the record run next season - albeit without Alonso and Tah. Read what else the eventful final game for the head coach and the defensive leader had to offer in the Werkself Review.
Show moreWerkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-2 draw at Mainz 05 on the 34th matchday of the Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreBayer 04’s final game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season saw VAR drama and produced a new record for away results with a 2-2 draw in Mainz. The hosts had several goals ruled out before Paul Nebel put them ahead. Patrik Schick’s brace then turned things around in the second half before Jonathan Burkardt’s penalty levelled the game again. It means Leverkusen have now gone 34 away games without defeat in the Bundesliga, which no team has ever done before.
Show moreThe Werkself bring down the curtain on their 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign with a game away at Mainz on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 meeting at the MEWA Arena.
Show moreXabi Alonso is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season. In his final interview as Werkself coach, he talks about his two-and-a-half years at the helm, the greatest moments of his historic tenure and his appreciation of the connection with the fans and players throughout their remarkable progress together.
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