"Somewhat dozy," said coach Maximilian Straub describing the start for the U13 team in the two-day tournament in Drunen in the Netherlands. With a lack of aggression, tempo and too little sign of their footballing ability, the Leverkusen lads lost their first two games against Vitesse Arnhem (1-2) and HJK Helsinki (0-1).
After a reorganisation ahead of the next game, the U13s succeeded in getting back on track. Two wins against Sparta Rotterdam (1-0) and ASC Amsterdam (1-0) put the team under Andrzej and Maximilian Straub on course for the semi-finals.
Late burst into last four
The start of the second day of the tournament the 2004 vintage of the Werkself needed a win against Malmo IF from Sweden and the other game involving teams from Rotterdam and Arnhem to end in a draw. With the target insight the U13s made a lively start, dominated the game and ended up with a deserved 2-0 victory.
As the other two teams did draw, that meant the Bayer 04 team went through as runners-up to play AZ Alkmaar in the semi-final. "The team started really well with lots of aggression and some fine passing moves," said coach Buncol. The only downside was the conversion rate of shots on target. Nevertheless, it was enough to earn a deserved one-nil win.
Penalty shootout
The final brought to a reunion with the team from Helsinki, "and somehow we fell back into the approach from the start of the first day," declared trainer Straub. In spite of are clearly superior quality, the U13s were unable to press home their advantage.
With the score at 0-0 after 90 minutes the game went to penalties. The Leverkusen goalkeeper made two impressive saves to help Bayer 04 to victory. "Congratulations to the lads," declared the happy coaching duo Buncol and Straub. But we know we can definitely play better than in some of the games in the tournament." The lads will have the chance to show that in next weekend's tournament in Mönchengladbach."
Calling all girls. Have you ever dreamed of wearing the shirt with the Bayer Cross? Playing in Black and Red like your role models Kristin Kögel, Janou Levels, Friederike Repohl and Co. from the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga squad? Now’s your chance! Our female youth teams are looking for new talented players. So Bayer 04 is organising a Talent Day with trial training sessions for junior players on 27 April 2025.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen will feature a new kit partner for the 2025/26 season: The German soccer champions and DFB Cup winners have agreed to a multi-year cooperation with US sporting goods manufacturer New Balance starting this summer. New Balance will equip all of the Werksklub's teams, from the junior boys' and girls' teams to the women's Bundesliga team and the men's professional team, with high-quality sports equipment and smart lifestyle apparel. The track and field department of TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen will also be equipped by New Balance with immediate effect. At the upcoming German Indoor Championships on February 21 and 22 in Dortmund, the athletes with the cross on their chest will be competing in outfits from the American sportswear giant.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 player Artem Stepanov valid to 2027. The Ukrainian centre forward is a key player in the youth team at the German double winners.
Show moreFor six of Bayer 04's youth internationals, the football year 2025 started with outings in their respective national team colours. As well as a German quintet, Andrea Natali was on his travels with Italy.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed American youngster Aaron Heard. The 18-year-old attacker moves from MLS club St. Louis City SC.
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