Reaching the last 16 of the Europa League is already a huge success for Qarabag. It’s the first time ever that a team from Azerbaijan has reached this stage of a European competition. Gurban Gurbanov’s side came through an exciting play-off tie against Braga, who had finished third in Champions League Group C behind Real Madrid and Napoli. Qarabag claimed a famous 4-2 first-leg win in Portugal, with Frenchman Abdellah Zoubir the star of the show with two goals and an assist.
The real drama came in the second leg in front of 31,200 at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku. When Elvin Jafarguliyev was sent off for a second yellow on 57 minutes with the game at 0-0, Braga took advantage and scored twice to force extra-time. Matheus Silva then got one back for the champions of Azerbaijan before Simon Banza brought the visitors level again on aggregate from the penalty spot with five minutes left of the 120. The tie was set to go to penalties until 19-year-old substitute Nariman Akhundzade struck for the 10-man hosts two minutes into added time. It ended in a 3-2 loss on the night, but Qarabag were still through to the last 16.
“The way they turned it their way in the final moment against Braga deserves respect,” said Bayer 04 managing director for sport Simon Rolfes. “We will approach this task with the utmost concentration to ensure we qualify for the quarter-finals in two challenging games.”
Qarabag proved in the group stage that they can be awkward opponents for the Werkself. Although Xabi Alonso’s side ran out comfortable 5-1 winners at the BayArena, it took a Victor Boniface penalty in added time in Baku to snatch a 1-0 victory. The Azerbaijanis finished the group in second behind Leverkusen.
The defending champions are currently well out ahead in the Azerbaijani league. They beat fourth-placed Neftci Baku 4-1 at the weekend with goals from Akhundzade, Toral Bayramov (two) and Patrick Andrade. Their lead at the top after 25 games is 23 points as they head towards an 11th title.
Coach Gurbanov is without two important players in the first leg. Defensive midfielder Julio Romao serves his second ban of this European campaign due to accumulation of yellow cards. Andrade is expected to take his place in the team. Left-back Jafarguliyev, who has started every game in Europe this season, also serves a ban after he was sent off in the second leg against Braga.
Former Werkself man Andrey Lunev is the first choice in Qarabag’s goal. Central defenders Badavi Hüseynov and Bahlul Mustafazade, as well as right-back Marko Vesovic are also set to start. Gurbanov has recently backed Zoubir (11 goals in 2023/24), Yassine Benzia (12), Leandro Andrade (11) and top scorer Juninho (21) are the usual four in attack. Akhundzade and Redon Xhixha are also goalscoring options off the bench. Qarabag boast by far Azerbaijan’s best attack with 65 goals from their 25 games. It means Leverkusen’s defence will have to be fully focused again in Baku.
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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