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"We have the chance of reaching the semi-finals. Of course, there is great anticipation. We are very motivated," declared Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon. "Tomorrow we want to be focused, intelligent and play with quality and to win we need our best performance and the support of our fans."
The Spaniard was keen to totally blank out the forthcoming Bundesliga big match against Bayern Munich in four days time. "Our focus is now on the next game. That's always the most important thing," said Alonso who does not feel any additional pressure in relation to the clashes with Stuttgart and Bayern. "There's always pressure in professional football. And that's before every game regardless of the opponents and the competition."
On the opponents from Stuttgart, who are currently third in the league, Alonso said: "I like the way they play. Intelligent and flexible. They absolutely deserve to be where they are in the table." The last league match between Bayer 04 and VfB Stuttgart in December of last year ended all square at 1-1. "It was a very intense game. We can learn something from that game and apply it."
In terms of personnel, nobody is ruled out after the physical league encounter in Darmstadt (2-0). Also, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli are ready to play on Tuesday evening following their return from AFCON. In contrast, the cup tie comes too early for Exequiel Palacios even though Alonso believes the Argentinian is "progressing well."
The head coach is giving another start to goalkeeper Matej Kovar who played in the previous two DFB-Pokal ties. Alonso on the Czech keeper: "He showed his great potential last season at Sparta Prague and was impressive here in training from the start. On top of that are his good performances in the DFB-Pokal and the Europa League. He's earned the chance to play again tomorrow."
The DFB-Pokal quarter-final is being shown on the pay-TV broadcaster Sky and on the terrestrial TV channel ARD. Coverage from the BayArena starts on both channels at 20.15 CET. As usual, Werkself Radio will be covering the game from 15 minutes before kick-off.
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 all Werkself fans: Even during the three-week international break – a first for September and October – you have the chance to visit the BayArena – and for a very special occasion. Bayer 04 is hosting a Health Day on Saturday 3 October, from 10:00 to 14:00 CEST in the Premium Lounge. Together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, the Bundesliga club invites you to an interactive, free event centred on the theme of health. Partners will be present on site with their own exciting activities. Here is an overview of the programme of events.
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