De Pauw’s approach in his penultimate home game as Bayer 04 coach is clear. “They’ve planned a party. We’ve got something against that. Decisive games like this aren’t easy because there’s a special pressure,” said the Dutchman, also adding with a grin: “It’d also be nicer for them to secure the title at home.” Memories of 20 May 2023 are providing encouragement for him and his players: “Last year we delayed the title celebrations. We believe we can do it again.”
The fact that Bayern left no doubt in who would win as they prevailed 3-0 in the reverse fixture, when de Pauw was ill and his assistant Jessie van den Broek stepped in, does not unsettle the Dutchman. “We didn’t do that bad that day. Bayern just allowed so little after the first goal. But still, there were moments where we came back. Unfortunately, we weren’t clinical, which you need against a top team like them.” He’s also aware: “We won’t get many chances this time either.”
The quality of the champions-elect is indisputable. Alexander Straus’s team have won their last 11 competitive fixtures in a row and haven’t lost since 20 December in the UEFA Women’s Champions League away at Ajax (1-0). In the Bundesliga, the Munich team are still unbeaten with 16 wins and three draws. “They’re on an excellent run and in a flow. As well as their class in open play, there’s also their strength at set pieces,” de Pauw said in recognition.
Nevertheless, Bayer 04 (28 points) want to keep pace with Essen (29) in the race for fifth place. The 1-0 loss at promoted RB Leipzig should just be a small blip. “We only allowed one chance there, and it resulted in a goal. As well as the clinicalness required, we also lacked some luck,” de Pauw stated. He’s expecting a different sort of game against the confident league leaders. “Bayern will apply pressure early, but it means we’ll get space. We trust in our defence, want to stay in the game as long as possible and show our own quality from set pieces.”
Synne Skinnes Hansen is back in the squad following her thigh issue. Charlotte Voll (shoulder) and Melissa Friedrich (ankle) are still out. There are still tickets available to buy online or on the gate.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 4-0 win at SGS Essen on the 24th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Bayer 04 put in a brilliant performance to beat RB Leipzig 4-1 on Bundesliga matchday 32 and are now fourth in a Champions League spot. The Black and Reds took control of the game right from the start and, with 75 per cent possession at one stage, took a 2-0 lead into the break through Patrik Schick (25’) and Nathan Tella (45+1’). The visitors initially tried to do more after the break, but the Werkself remained determined and Schick scored his second goal to increase the lead to 3-0 (76'). The Red Bulls pulled a goal back through Christoph Baumgartner (80'), but the disciplined Leverkusen side were not rattled - and certainly not Schick: The Czechia international crowned a brilliant display with his third goal shortly before the final whistle to make the final score 4-1.
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In the previous game against RB Leipzig in December last year, the Werkself turned came from behind to win 3-1 and further improved Leverkusen's already strong record against the Red Bulls. Montrell Culbreath stood out with his first goal on his debut for the Black and Reds. While the 18-year-old would certainly like to score a second goal against Leipzig on Saturday night, the attack-minded visitors come to the BayArena in confident mood after five Bundesliga victories in a row. The Nordkurve12 supporters group knows the Werkself will therefore once again be reliant on the vociferous support of the fans, and has once again called for the ‘Finally Red’ campaign in the run-in. Today’s matchday news.
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Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the German Football League (DFL), announced the top male and female selections for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season this week. Bayer 04 striker Vanessa Fudalla is in the starting eleven of the women's "Team of the Season". Alejandro Grimaldo and Aleix Garcia have been selected as bench players in the men's team.
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