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The first home match since clinching the Bundesliga title and the pitch invasion by fans after the 5-0 win over SV Werder Bremen. "We've spoken with the groundskeepers. The pitch is maybe not as perfect as before but in good condition," revealed Xabi Alonso in response to a question at Friday's press conference.
Two men who definitely won't be on the pitch against Stuttgart are Adam Hlozek and Borja Iglesias. The attacking duo joined in with parts of team training for the first time again on Friday morning, but Saturday's primetime clash will come too soon. "At the moment, it looks like both will be able to return to full training at the start of next week," explained Alonso. "We'll then make a decision for the game in Rome on Thursday in the coming days."
As well as Hlozek and Iglesias, Granit Xhaka is suspended against VfB, who are currently on course for the UEFA Champions League in third place. The midfield anchor received his fifth booking of the campaign in the 1-1 draw at Borussia Dortmund, meaning he won't start a Bundesliga match for the first time this season. "It's normal for players to be suspended for yellow card accumulation now and then," said Alonso. "We have plenty of options in this position, though. It's important that we play our game and produce a good performance."
The Werkself have already had two tough encounters with Stuttgart this season, in both the 1-1 draw in the reverse league fixture and the DFB Cup quarter-final (3-2). "They've been one of the best teams in Europe this season," stressed Alonso. "They're flexible, brave and aggressive. I like their approach. It's going to be a top game!"
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.
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Bayer 04 Women have boosted their firepower with the signing of Poland international Paulina Tomasiak. The 24-year-old striker moves to Leverkusen from Gornik Leczna in her homeland on a two-year contract.
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