Eintracht are currently in fourth place on 32 points, just one behind Hoffenheim, meaning a win is a must in their push for Champions League qualification. “Frankfurt will feel a lot of pressure. It could be that they then start taking risks,” said de Pauw. The Dutchman also gave a reminder of his own team’s ambitions: “We want to be in the top five, so it’s also an important game for us. We definitely won’t give anything away but will give all we’ve got to win.” Leverkusen are on 25 points heading into Matchday 18.
De Pauw’s confidence in his team ahead of facing Frankfurt is based on his side’s previous displays against the top four teams this season. “We’ve had some good performances against these teams,” said the coach, remembering the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture where Estrella Merino Gonzalez secured a late point with her first Bundesliga goal. “After the draw at Hoffenheim, the narrow defeat against them at home and the draw against Wolfsburg, it’s about time we beat one of these teams.”
Eintracht have managed 10 wins this season and are “one of those teams” for a reason. “They have great depth in their squad and have pace especially up front. At the same time, they’re vulnerable at the back. We need to use the space between their lines and out wide.”
All 13 players called up to represent their countries over the international break had returned to training in Leverkusen by Thursday. Five of them had come back having secured Euro U19 qualification. “Each player has a different level of fitness. We need to watch out for that after each international break and take it into account when preparing for a game,” the 42-year-old explained.
During the break, he varied the workloads of the players still training with the club. “In the first week, we trained very intensely with a small group, and then we reduced the intensity a bit and worked on different match scenarios,” the Dutchman stated. “Now it’s about ensuring everyone is fresh before the game.”
Synne Skinnes Hansen won’t be available on Saturday due to a thigh problem. The game also comes too soon for Charlotte Voll (shoulder) and Melissa Friedrich (ankle).
Anyone who wants to support the team on Saturday can get tickets for the game HERE. Tickets will also be available to buy on the day at the entrance.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.
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Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.
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The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro will lead a club delegation to Brazil from July 2-6 for a program of partner engagement, community activities and football development initiatives across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract of promising striker Amy Wrigge on a long-term basis. The 18-year-old Germany U19 international, currently recovering from a torn cruciate in her left knee, has signed a new contract to 30 June 2029.
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