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"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.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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