'Full of ambition and energy': Women face an emotional season finale with a chance to qualify for Europe

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Two points and a significantly better goal difference separate third-placed Frankfurt (48 points, +20) from Leverkusen (46, +12), who are already enjoying their best season in history in terms of points and wins (15). To add the icing on the cake – i.e. third place – the Werkself must not only secure their sixth win in a row, but also hope for a slip-up from the Eagles.

Pätzold: “Put pressure on Frankfurt”

“The fact that we still have a chance on the final matchday is a success in itself. The team have earned this position through a strong run of form and remain full of ambition and energy,” said coach Roberto Pätzold: “We want to win our home game, ideally get an early goal, and give it our all to put pressure on Frankfurt. There’s nothing else we can influence, so we're fully focused on ourselves. We want to head into the summer break with a home win.”

Even if they ultimately don’t quite manage to secure a European spot, the coach would be satisfied with the season’s performance. “We’ve made clear progress this season. The gap to the top has been getting smaller and smaller in recent years, and we can be very proud of that. Four years ago, we were still more than 20 points behind third place,” recalls Pätzold: “Of course, if we don’t quite make it in the end, we’ll also have to talk about the points we dropped. There were good reasons for that, particularly in the first half of the season, including the absence of several key players, a lack of clinical finishing and the odd unfortunate refereeing decision. Nevertheless, we’ve achieved much of what we set out to do.”

“Mentality and fitness” as keys to success

What gives him confidence ahead of the finale, alongside their own performances in the run-in, is that his team “showed character even in difficult periods and managed to dig themselves out of pressure situations. You could feel the nerves in Leipzig, but we still won the match comfortably in the end,” said Pätzold: “It's precisely this mentality and our fitness in the run-in that give us the confidence to give it our all once again in the last game.”

Even though the visitors from Bremen can't finish any higher than their current sixth place, the Leverkusen coach is expecting fierce resistance. “Werder are a dangerous side with a high-quality attack. Even though they haven’t quite managed to maintain their points-per-game average from the first half of the season, they’ve consistently laid down markers,” said the 46-year-old: “We’ll have to push ourselves to the limit again to make amends for the defeat in the reverse fixture.” On that occasion, the Werkself suffered an unfortunate 1-0 defeat. “We want to dominate the game, knowing full well that Bremen can afford to take risks with a clear conscience.

Farewells ahead of kick-off

Regardless of how the 2025/26 campaign ends in sporting terms, it is certain that Bayer 04 will be saying goodbye to a number of players before kick-off. Among them are two long-serving key players: captain Friederike Repohl (retiring) and Kristin Kögel (moving to Racing Strasbourg). “Sunday will be an emotional day for many players and the whole club. We're well aware of the significance some players have had for the development of women’s football at Bayer 04,” said Pätzold: “That's why we want to give them a fitting send-off, both on and off the pitch. We're facing a major restructure and the team will look very different in future. For me personally, I'm losing key figures who played a huge part in my development as a coach.”

interactive activities around the stadium

Caroline Kehrer participated in some parts of team training this week following her meniscus operation, whilst Lilla Turanyi (suspended) and Amy Wrigge (cruciate ligament rupture) are definitely out for the clash. Anyone supporting the Werkself in their final game of the season at the UHS (Get your tickets HERE) can also look forward to a number of interactive activities around the stadium.