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“There are still seven games left to go in the league. We want to take the next step towards the title in Berlin,” Alonso stressed on Friday morning. “We have our sights set on big goals in all three competitions but are only taking things one game at a time. Now we have to focus solely on Union Berlin.”
An opponent who have the seventh-best record in the Bundesliga since the mid-point of the season. Alonso said of Union’s strengths: “Obviously the coach and some players are new, but they follow the same ideas of playing. They’re a physically strong and very aggressive team who also play looking to combine. We have to be ready for perhaps not the prettiest game. It’s important to get a good result.”
The return of Victor Boniface after he got half an hour in Wednesday’s 4-0 semi-final win over Fortuna Düsseldorf provides Alonso with further options at centre-forward. “His outing against Düsseldorf was good for him, but he won’t be able to start yet,” the Spaniard confirmed. “We want to help him bit by bit to get that good feeling on the pitch again.” When pressed further, Alonso said of Patrik Schick, Borja Iglesias and Adam Hlozek: “They all have different strengths, do a good job and are hugely important for us.”
The 42-year-old also stressed that no player in his squad is better placed than any other, including in central midfield. “Rob [Andrich] is in good form and knows Union Berlin’s stadium very well. Pala [Exequiel Palacios] is fit again. We have lots of options in every position.”
After progressing to the cup final in a sold-out and atmospheric BayArena against Fortuna, the Werkself can again expect plenty of support at a capacity Stadion an der Alten Försterei, with 2,500 fans making the trip from Leverkusen. Alonso spoke of the supporters having a good feel for knowing what kind of support is needed right now: “Our fans are intelligent and patient. Obviously, we all want to celebrate something big together at the end, but the moment hasn’t come yet. It’s still too early. First, we need to do our job in Berlin.”
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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