
“All in all, the performance was good for the opening fixture,” said the coach Jan Hoepner after the home win on Saturday. In a well-organsied display in first half, the U17s controlled the game against Bielefeld with three of the five new signings in the starting line-up and they created plenty of chances before opening the scoring.
Cem-Tuna Türkmen missed out unmarked in front of the opposition goal and Fabian Rüth also failed to find the back of the Bielefeld net with a header from a promising position. New signing Wolf was on target just before the break. He hit a free kick from the right towards the far post. The ball bounced once before going in to give the Werkself a deserved 1-0 lead.
Decider from a corner
The U17s had more of the game in the second half too, “but there weren’t so may clear-cut chances,” admitted the coach Patrick Weiser. The hosts did succeed in settling the result with time to spare.
A corner from Wolf was only half cleared by the visitors. Fesenmeyer, in the right spot on the edge of the box, trapped the ball before unleashing his effort on goal with the Bielefeld keeper was left helpless by a deflection.
Wednesday at Schalke 04
After the successful start to the season the U17s are in action again on Wednesday in the big match away to Schalke 04. The Royal Blues youngsters won their opening fixture 2-1 at VfL Bochum.
Match stats:
Bayer 04 U17: Lotka - Rüth, Türkmen (Gierseifer 50’), Azhil, Wolf, Kemper, Bukusu, Anapak, Scott (Determann 71’), Gädicke (Ekene 71’), Fesenmeyer (Hortian 78’).
Arminia Bielefeld U17: Mönig - Mika, Tchadjobo (Aydin 78’), Haßheider, Stoll, Klass, Dogan (Ben El Ouahmi 41’), Donsbruch, Kalac (Temin 64’), Ayyildiz, Borchert (Bairamov 41’).
Goals: 1-0 Wolf (39’), 2-0 Fesenmeyer (59.’.
Booked: Wolf- /.
Referee: Aarts (Goch).
Attendance: 261.

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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