Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
"The first step is believing in it. Both us and the fans have to do it. We have to play with great courage and passion – while of course keeping a clear head – and give our all right to the end. We have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain," said Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.
Jonathan Tah provided a brief review of last week: "Of course, it wasn't great. But the two lost games act as incentive and motivation to win again. At first you feel frustration but then it's about turning the negative energy into positivity and intensity on the pitch. We are ready and can't wait for tomorrow!"
FC Bayern have never before given away a three-goal lead from the first leg in a European competition. Bayer 04 have come back from a 3-0 defeat in the first leg: In the final of the UEFA Cup in 1988 it was 3-0 to Bayer 04 after extra time in the second leg. Black and Reds won the penalty shootout 3-2 to lift the UEFA Cup. The game was like a film. Tah: "I probably wasn't even planned at the time. (He laughs) But obviously I know the history. It could be a special game tomorrow too. It will be a huge challenge but we're happy to take it on."
And Alonso, who was 3-0 down with Liverpool in the Champions League final against AC Milan but went on to win in the end (3-3 a.e.t., 3-2 on penalties, ed.), also believes going through is possible. "We've already achieved the apparently impossible once before. We became the unbeaten champions of Germany," said the Spaniard. And he added: "There's always everything to play for. Bochum showed that at the weekend for example when they were 2-0 down and won 3-2. Anything can happen after the kick off."
In tomorrow’s second leg, Alonso will have to manage without long-term injured players Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier as well as Nordi Mukiele, suspended after being sent off in the first leg, plus Florian Wirtz (ligamenmt injury in right ankle). "I'm very sorry for Flo, he was on good form. Now is the moment to show we are a complete team and can also win without him," said Alonso. Tah added: "Now it's the best test to prove that we can compensate for something like that as a team. Everybody is aware how important he is but we have to deal with it. We will play for him tomorrow as well so that he can still play in the Champions League this season when he comes back."
There will be a full house at the BayArena with 2,000 away fans expected from Munich. The second leg in the Round of 16 will be shown live on Prime Video. In addition, Werkself Radio will broadcast live from the BayArena 30 minutes before kick-off.
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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