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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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.
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Video games developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga ‘Player of the Month’ award for September – Bayer 04’s Miguel Gutiérrez has made it into this select group after just four Bundesliga matches. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 27 September (23:59 CEST).
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Calling Bayer 04 fans: The 2026/27 campaign will really pick up pace after the international break – and if you want to get your hands on a very special Black and Red souvenir in time, now is your chance. Jerseys signed by Werkself players such as Patrik Schick and Edmond Tapsoba are now available via the web shop. It’s worth being quick, as the offer is valid only whilst stocks last.
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