Bayer 04 skipper Elisa Senß, who is set to join Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, helped Germany secure an early slot at the European Championships in Switzerland (2-25 July 2025). Playing against Leverkusen teammates Sylwia Matysik and Nikola Karczewska, Germany beat Poland 4-1 in Rostock and that was followed by a 3-1 victory in the return match. Germany came back from a goal down in both games, with Senß coming on as a substitute at half-time, and the midfielder provided an assist for Lea Schüller to make it 2-1 (77') in Rostock.
Matysik played the full 90 minutes twice in a holding midfield role. Karczewska, who returns to Tottenham Hotspur after a loan spell, came off the bench in Rostock on 69 minutes. Poland have no chance of qualifying for the Euro finals after picking up no points from four games.
By contrast, Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir with Iceland improved the situation in the race to qualify for the tournament. A 1-1 draw away was followed by a 2-1 win at home to direct rivals Austria. Vilhjálmsdóttir played in both games and provided the assist at 1-0 for Hlín Eiríksdóttir (17') in the second match. With seven points, Iceland are second to Germany on twelve points on the back of four wins.
Lilla Turányi and Hungary have everything to play for with two games to go. After a 2-1 defeat and a 1-0 win against Switzerland, the team are third on four points. Central defender Turányi went off at half-time in the first match after picking up a knock and she was rested for the second game.
The Germany U20 team, with two Werkself players in the squad, gained confidence for the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Colombia from 31 August 22 September. In the first of three friendlies, the team led by Germany coach Kathrin Peter turned a 2-0 deficit at half-time into a 3-2 win against the Poland U23s. Sofie Zdebel played the full 90 minutes, Loreen Bender made her U20 debut after seven games and five goals for the U19s. Bender was in the starting line-up in the second friendly against the Australia U23 team and she was replaced by Zdebel on 82 minutes. Germany won 3-0. The team showed their ability to come back with a 2-2 draw against the Sweden U23s after being 2-0 down with the two Leverkusen players both starting. Zdebel played 65 minutes, Bender 81. Sweden won 2-1 in the penalty shootout.
In the year group below, the Bayer 04 quintet of Anne Moll, Paulina Bartz, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Julia Mickenhagen and Delice Boboy completed a four-day training camp in Bad Blankenburg with the Germany U19s in preparation for the European Championships in Lithuania (14 – 27 July). There were no international fixtures. Julie Jorde completed two training sessions and an internal friendly with the Norway U23s against the U19 team.
Bayer 04 are again strongly represented in this year's Bundesliga Team of the Season from the games manufacturer EA Sports. Five Werkself players have been voted into the top XI for the 2024/25 season, a duo from the Bayer 04 Women's team are in the female Bundesliga TOTS. Bayer 04 were well represented last season with six male players in the top eleven, the most players from one club.
Show moreA few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreIn the long and renowned career of Jupp Heynckes his two years at Leverkusen fill a short chapter. Nevertheless, his work under the Bayer Cross between 2009 and 2011 left its mark. The former world class striker and coach with a worldwide reputation was also very successful here and he led the Werkself to the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga and he made a lasting impression on many people at the club. Jupp Heynckes today celebrates his 80th birthday. Many happy returns from Bayer 04 as we look back at two great years.
Show moreA cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
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