"If we still have a chance of finishing third on the final matchday, then we will have already achieved what we set out to do and made progress compared to last season," said Pätzold. The Black-and-Reds already have more wins (14) than in the record-breaking 2024/25 campaign (13), while the points tally of 43 is equal. But now that more is possible, Leverkusen want more. "It would be deserved given our good performances and recent run, but also because we've largely been consistent throughout a season that's brought great challenges with it," continued the coach. "Despite that we've always shown character as a team. A win in Leipzig gives us the opportunity to achieve something great."
The home side, in contrast, have little to play for in the remaining matches, sitting comfortably in 10th place with 27 points. "RB have had a good second half of the season and were unbeaten in eight before the Wolfsburg match. They showed their qualities at Wolfsburg [3-2 defeat] too," said Pätzold. "They can play without pressure and will want to sign off with a good showing in the last home match. It's going to be very difficult again to maintain our good form."
Four successive wins have kept his team's hopes of third place alive. In each of the last two against SC Freiburg (4-1) and at SGS Essen (4-0), the Werkself even hit four goals. "We've not had to make many changes recently," explained the boss, who's only without Caroline Kehrer (after meniscus operation) and Amy Wrigge (cruciate ligament) for the trip to Saxony. "A lot of players have got into a rhythm and a match fitness, which is bearing fruit now. As well as that, we've made a few decisions for the future that have given certain players a release. And we're no longer as dependent on individual players and are sharing the goals better, which makes us a bit more unpredictable." His players' stamina could also be a key factor to their success. "We're benefitting from the fitness that comes with our intensive style of play. We've been physically superior to some of our opponents in the run-in."
If they succeed in that again at the Cottaweg Training Centre in Leipzig on Monday evening, they face a final-day decider at home to Werder Bremen on Sunday 17 May (14:00 CEST).
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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