
"Villarreal won five out six matches, which says enough about their qualities," said coach Kevin Brok after the draw. "We also know, though, that if we perform at our best, we obviously have a chance. We'll go into this match to win and want to get to the next round."
Villarreal finished the league phase in fifth place with 15 of a possible 18 points. The opening 5-3 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur was followed by five straight wins against Juventus (1-0), Manchester City (2-1), Pafos FC (2-0), Borussia Dortmund (2-1) and Copenhagen FC (2-0).
The last-16 ties will be played on 3 or 4 February, with the exact date and kick-off time to be confirmed on 16 December.

The Leverkusen U19s qualified for the knockout phase of the competition for the first time by finishing 17th with 10 points. Brok's charges recorded victories against Copenhagen (2-0), PSV Eindhoven (3-2) and Newcastle United (2-1), as well as drawing against Paris Saint-Germain (2-2). The only defeats came against Benfica (5-0) and Manchester City (6-0).

After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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The fans have spoken: Ibrahim Maza has been voted Bayer 04 men’s Player of the Season for 2025/26. The 20-year-old won the club’s annual poll with more than a third of the total votes. Vanessa Fudalla, for her part, has been voted Bayer 04 women’s Player of the Season for 2025/26 by the fans. For both Maza and Fudalla, the past season was their first playing for the Werkself.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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