The fact that this team can play very good football in spite of having less familiar players, was experienced first-hand by Bayer 04 in the game at the start of the month. The Werkself did end up with a 4-2 win but were behind thanks to a brace from the impressive striker Elton Acolatse. A performance the Israelis can be proud of. And the displays in the other two group matches against Slavia Prague (3-1) and Nice (0-1) were also very impressive.
The team would gladly have taken that form into the league but Hapoel have recently discovered they are two different competitions. At home against Kfar Saba, a few days after the game against the Werkself, they could only manage a goalless draw and last weekend, Be'er Sheva lost 2-0 at FC Ashdod and have now slipped down to tenth place. "It's a different way of playing than in Europe," said coach Yossi Abukasis following the defeat. "We have to contribute different facets of our game." So he could almost be happy to now return to the international stage where his team have impressed with their lightning fast counter-attacking football.
One thing will probably will be crucially different from the last time. Captain and defensive stalwart Miguel Vitor, the absolute centre of the defence and Israel's Player of the Year in 2017, suffered a thigh muscle injury in the draw against Kfar Saba and he had to be substituted. The Portuguese did not play at the weekend and the central defender will probably miss the game against the Werkself. His role as the organiser of the defence and captain will probably be taken by Loai Taha. The Israeli international, with twelve caps, will celebrate his 31st birthday at the BayArena on Thursday.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Video games developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga ‘Player of the Month’ award for September – Bayer 04’s Miguel Gutiérrez has made it into this select group after just four Bundesliga matches. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 27 September (23:59 CEST).
Show more
Calling all Werkself fans: Even during the three-week international break – a first for September and October – you have the chance to visit the BayArena – and for a very special occasion. Bayer 04 is hosting a Health Day on Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 CEST in the Premium Lounge. Together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, the Bundesliga club invites you to an interactive, free event centred on the theme of health. Partners will be present on site with their own exciting activities. Here is an overview of the programme of events.
Show more
