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"It's a special home game and we’re hoping for great support from our fans. We are expecting a top match against one of the best teams in Europe," said Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "There are different ways of approaching a top match. We definitely can't afford to take any unnecessary risks and we have to remain flexible."
The Spaniard primarily sees the strength of the opponents in their high individual and collective quality. "Bayern are always very dominant. We are prepared for a very testing encounter defensively and we will need an almost perfect performance," said Alonso. The fact that the team from Munich have an eight-point lead over Bayer 04 at the top of the table is no reason for concern for the Werkself coach: "Last year we had the lead, this year it's the other way round. We remain in a good position in all competitions."
FC Bayern are currently in good form having won the last seven league games in succession and they are having their best Bundesliga season in nine years. Bayern Munich beat Celtic 2-1 away on Wednesday in the first leg of the play-offs in the Champions League. The fact the Werkself did not have a game in midweek, in contrast to FCB, does not provide any advantage according to Alonso: "We are actually more used to double fixture weeks than normal. So it doesn't make any great difference. But, of course, we are happy to be able to prepare for this game in peace and quiet."
In response to a question from an English journalist on his time at Leverkusen, Alonso said: "When I came here I was quickly able to establish a good connection to the players. That was important and I'm very grateful for that as it made my start here easier. Bayer 04 are my first real chance to prove myself as a coach in professional football. I have learned a lot from this club, the environment and the many special nights of football that give you the energy to carry on."
In addition to the two long-term injuries Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier, Alonso will also have to manage without Mario Hermoso (stomach bug) for tomorrow's game. Otherwise all the players are fit as Alonso confirmed: "We are obviously very happy about that even if it doesn't make it any easier for me to make my decisions." (he laughs)
The press conference also dealt with other players: Talking about Granit Xhaka, Alonso said: "His role in the team is very important. He always produces good performances, is intelligent and has a great mentality. He's a role model for others."
The BayArena is sold out with 3,000 away fans from Munich expected to travel. The Bundesliga top match on Matchday 22 will be broadcast live on Sky. In addition, Werkself Radio will broadcast live from the BayArena 30 minutes before kick-off as usual.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 4-0 win at SGS Essen on the 24th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Bayer 04 put in a brilliant performance to beat RB Leipzig 4-1 on Bundesliga matchday 32 and are now fourth in a Champions League spot. The Black and Reds took control of the game right from the start and, with 75 per cent possession at one stage, took a 2-0 lead into the break through Patrik Schick (25’) and Nathan Tella (45+1’). The visitors initially tried to do more after the break, but the Werkself remained determined and Schick scored his second goal to increase the lead to 3-0 (76'). The Red Bulls pulled a goal back through Christoph Baumgartner (80'), but the disciplined Leverkusen side were not rattled - and certainly not Schick: The Czechia international crowned a brilliant display with his third goal shortly before the final whistle to make the final score 4-1.
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In the previous game against RB Leipzig in December last year, the Werkself turned came from behind to win 3-1 and further improved Leverkusen's already strong record against the Red Bulls. Montrell Culbreath stood out with his first goal on his debut for the Black and Reds. While the 18-year-old would certainly like to score a second goal against Leipzig on Saturday night, the attack-minded visitors come to the BayArena in confident mood after five Bundesliga victories in a row. The Nordkurve12 supporters group knows the Werkself will therefore once again be reliant on the vociferous support of the fans, and has once again called for the ‘Finally Red’ campaign in the run-in. Today’s matchday news.
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Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the German Football League (DFL), announced the top male and female selections for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season this week. Bayer 04 striker Vanessa Fudalla is in the starting eleven of the women's "Team of the Season". Alejandro Grimaldo and Aleix Garcia have been selected as bench players in the men's team.
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