Lara Marti and her Swiss teammates had the chance to qualify for the European Championship finals in England in 2022 with the two legs against Czechia on 9 and 13 April. Switzerland – Marti came on as a sub on 65 minutes – drew 1-1 with the Czechs in the first leg.
The return match was even more exciting with a scoreline of 1-1 after 90 minutes. The game went into extra time and, after 30 minutes without a goal, to penalties with Switzerland winning 3-2 to secure their place at the European Championship finals. Marti again came on as a substitute in the second leg (87') but had to go off on 104 minutes due to the 21-year-old suffering a knock in extra time.
Henrietta Csiszár, Dóra Zeller and Lilla Turányi made their way to Hungary. A ten-day training camp enabled the team to get to know their new national coach. The former Germany international and Germany assistant coach Margret Kratz took over the post with Hungary last month. The training camp ended with a friendly on Tuesday afternoon, 13 April, against Bosnia-Herzegovina – the game ended in a goalless draw. Turányi played up to the 68th minute, Csiszár and Zeller did not feature.
Mina Tanaka made two appearances for the national team. She played for Japan in two friendlies against Paraguay (8 April) and Panama (11 April) – with Japan winning both games 7-0. The Bayer 04 striker came off the bench against Paraguay on 67 minutes and scored the final goal in added time. The 26-year-old came on for the final eleven minutes against Panama.
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
Show more
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
Show more
The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
Show more
