The weather could hardly have been better with bright sunshine and temperatures over 20 degrees as the teams kicked off the first Ulrich Haberland Cup since 2019 on the morning of Saturday, 2 July. There were 20 teams competing at the traditional tournament, which was launched in 2009, including Bayer 04 fan clubs, a team consisting of employees and even a fan club from Kickers Offenbach, who arrived with over 40 people, and one from Karlsruher SC.
Werkself players Andrich and Lomb also mingled with the numerous attendees at the Kurt-Rieß-Anlage. The pair visited the fans with head coach Gerardo Seoane after the morning session, watched a few games and also took plenty of time for photos with supporters.
At the end of a successful tournament and day for the whole family, with the only downer being two serious injuries, the Grafen von Berg fan club was crowned the winners.
The Ulrich Haberland Cup traditionally isn’t just about the fun of playing but also about good causes. Proceeds this year from the catering, which the NK12 organised together with ASB [Workers' Samaritan Foundation] Regionalverband Vest Recklinghausen, will go to the children’s palliative care unit at Leverkusen Hospital.
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
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