The Spanish journalists in the compact media room at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, painted in the club colours of green and white, had an easy ride: Both Seoane and Ecuadorian new signing Hincapie answered the questions from the Spaniards in their own language. The head coach explained: "My parents are Spanish and we always spoke Spanish at home. We usually used to come here on holiday. Part of my family still lives here today and I also have a Spanish passport."
In his home away from home, Seoane with the Werkself faces Real Betis who are currently eighth in La Liga. "They're going through a good phase. We definitely can't deviate from our game plan and we need a controlled performance," said Seoane. The Andalusians are just two points behind second-placed Real Madrid in the league. The experience of the hosts is not to be denied as the Swiss boss explained: "They are a strong group, play with determination – but they also have high individual quality." And with Manuel Pellegrini, a coach who, according to Seoane, "has made his mark wherever he has worked. He is very intelligent and experienced. A great personality."
In addition to Julian Baumgartlinger, Charles Aránguiz with a calf injury is another central midfield player who is ruled out by injury for the match in Seville. Seoane: "Of course, it's sad because Charly is very important to us." But the 42-year-old talked about the strength of other candidates for this position in the squad: "We are happy that Robert Andrich is available again after suspension in the Bundesliga. He's a very important player with his strength in the tackle."
Exequiel Palacios has not had much time on the training ground since his cold, Nadiem Amiri has slight thigh problems after picking up a knock in the game against Bayern Munich.
Piero Hincapie, who joined Bayer 04 from his home country of Ecuador in the summer, has played in the previous two Europa League group matches. The 19-year-old has said he has settled down well in his new home of Germany – also due to the many South American, Spanish or Portuguese speaking teammates. "Charly (Charles Aránguiz, ed.) and Co. talk to me a lot and that has made it very easy for me to settle in," said the versatile defender who was last in action for Ecuador in the South American World Cup qualifiers. "I feel 100% fit in spite of all the travelling." That includes the away match in the south of Spain.
The final whistle of the current 2025/26 season marks the end of a unique partnership for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After more than three decades of collaboration and highly eventful times, the Bundesliga football club and the private brewery Bitburger are going their separate ways.
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Around four months after their bitter exit in the DFB Pokal Round of 16, the Bayer 04 Women are once again away to Hamburger SV. On Monday night (18:00 CEST), the Werkself will not only be looking to pick up important points in the final phase of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga at the Volksparkstadion, but also to make amends for their defeat on penalties.
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A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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