In the run-up to Leverkusen's Bundesliga Matchday 6 encounter at home to newly promoted Holstein Kiel on 5 October (15:30 CEST), the Schlebusch district is coming into focus with various activities organised by the works club. After holding their own training session, Haim and Merino Gonzalez spent plenty of time with the 30 children at the primary school.
For former Nuremberg player Haim, the project was something close to her heart. Until her move from the relegated Bundesliga side to Bayer 04, the 27-year-old had also worked full-time as a teacher at a secondary school. "Normally I always had to deal with older pupils, who aren't as easily enthused as the primary school children," said Haim. "The atmosphere was great right from the start, the children were very excited. The children had lots of friends throughout the lesson and were very enthusiastic. I definitely want to work at a school again when my footballing career is over."
After a short football warm-up exercise, the Bayer 04 players let the children compete in a penalty shootout, with Merino Gonzalez and Haim trying their hand at goalkeeping. Afterwards, the pupils, divided into three alternating teams, played a game across the entire field. Afterwards, the Leverkusen duo patiently took time to answer the children's many questions and autograph requests. As a gift, they each received two tickets for the women's home game against German champions FC Bayern Munich on Sunday 20 October (18:30 CEST).
"It was a lot of fun for me to experience a class like this from the perspective of a teacher because I still go to school myself," said 17-year-old Merino Gonzalez. "The children had so much fun, you could see the smiles on their faces. That makes me very happy." So happy that the campaign doesn't have to be a one-off experience for her. "I could even imagine wanting to work as a teacher myself after my career," added the striker.
Bayer 04 is holding the so-called District Matchdays for the second year running in the 2024/25 season. In each district of Leverkusen, a range of activities and workshops with the pros will take place ahead of selected Bundesliga home games. There's also a district shirt for each action day. The Schlebusch shirt is now available HERE.
You can find more information about the district matchdays HERE.
Arsenal, one of the favourites in the UCL, visit the BayArena for the first leg in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16. Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie, two long-serving Bayer 04 players, are set to return to the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club. As part of the match against the Gunners, fans can look forward to exciting Sound of Dreams festival activities at the stadium. Club members can also secure another SoD Unplugged ticket for a chance to win a special prize. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
A Champions League showdown at the BayArena awaits. On Wednesday night, 11 March (kick-off: 18:45 CET), the Werkself face Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Ahead of the clash with the Premier League leaders, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the Gunners' exceptional strength at set-pieces, a returning striker and "believing in yourself". Forward Christian Kofane also spoke about the approach to the Round of 16 tie and congratulated his personal idol - whose previous success also motivates him for forthcoming challenges.
Show more
There is no question Arsenal are one of the top favourites to win the UEFA Champions League. Spanish coach Mikel Arteta's team won all of their matches in the league phase of the competition. On Wednesday night, 11 March (kick-off: 18:45 CET), the Gunners, who also lead the Premier League, will play the first leg in the UCL Round of 16 at the BayArena. Two former Leverkusen players are particularly looking forward to the clash at their old stomping ground. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The Werkself welcome FC Augsburg to the BayArena on Bundesliga matchday 30 in the 2025/26 season. The match on Saturday, 18 April kicks off at 15:30 CEST. Bayer 04 have organised a family matchday with exclusive offers for parents and children. Information on ticket sales.
Show more
