Michael Urbansky, recently assistant coach for the Germany Women's team under Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, is in charge of the Germany U19 Women's team as head coach for the first time in the two international fixtures against the Netherlands on 24 February (kick-off: 19.00 CET) and against Italy on 27 February (kick-off: 16.00 CET). He follows Kathrin Peter, who is now in charge of the Germany U20 Women. In his squad of 22 players, there are six from the Bundesliga squad of the Bayer 04 Women in goalkeeper Anne Moll plus the outfield players Paulina Bartz, Loreen Bender, Delice Boboy, Estrella Merino Gonzalez and Julia Mickenhagen. The two friendlies for the U19s, which are part of preparations for the crucial European Championship qualifying round of the start of April, will be played in La Nucia in Spain. In addition to the sextet, Sofie Zdebel is also away with the Germany youth set-up: The midfielder was called up by Peter for the 24-player squad for the international trip to Spain. Germany first play the hosts in Alicante on 22 February (kick-off: 18.00 CET) and then they face Mexico in Benidorm on 25 February (kick-off: 18.00 CET).
"This large number of players called up makes us proud and is an indication of our work and, at the same time, also an expression of our club philosophy," said Achim Feifel, sporting director of the Bayer 04 Women: "We want to give young and talented players the chance to develop and step up to the Bundesliga. But, at the same time, it's also a special challenge for us because it is important to offer these players more and more time on the pitch."
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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