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“We’re already through to the last 16, but we won’t let up. We want a perfect group stage, so we’ll approach the game with the same seriousness and concentration as all the other games. Any team that lets up will be punished,” Alonso stated at Wednesday's press conference. He also looked ahead to the final two Bundesliga matches before Christmas: “We’ll give everything till the end and obviously want to remain unbeaten.”
Patrik Schick, who was also on the podium for the press conference, had a similar approach: “We’re following the coach’s idea and all give our best. We’re hungry for success and are currently playing good football. We’re motivated to go as far as we can in all competitions.”
While the Werkself are already assured of their place in the last 16 as group winners, Molde’s fate is still to be decided. The Norwegians are currently level with Qarabag on seven points but behind in third place. The team that finishes second will go through to the play-offs against one of the clubs who came third in the Champions League groups to compete for the remaining last-16 berths. The other game between Qarabag and Häcken will kick off at the same time on Thursday.
Alonso also gave some insight into his starting XI to face Molde. “Lombo [Niklas Lomb] will be in goal. He’s worked hard for this and absolutely deserves to play tomorrow,” the Spaniard said, before also announcing that Schick will make his first start for Bayer 04 in over 400 days. “I’m physically and mentally 100 percent ready and am glad I can now look ahead. I didn’t expect I’d be scoring and setting up goals so quickly after the injury. But it’s also an advantage that the whole team is playing so well. That makes it easier to come back in,” the Czech striker stated.
The 27-year-old also sees the impending battle for places with teammate Victor Boniface as motivation: “We push each other. Obviously, everyone wants to start games, but you have to work hard for that. Competition for places is always good, not just in attack.”
The final European fixture of 2023 will once again see the home section of the BayArena completely full. Around 400 fans are also expected to make the trip from Norway.
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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