
“Few people could’ve imagined we’d be in this position before the season. The fact we are makes us all proud,” said the coach of his team that has won their last four competitive matches in a row. “We will not be awestruck this time either,” he added. Just two points separate the Werkself on 23 in fourth and the seven-time champions at the summit. So far only champions Bayern Munich have managed to beat Leverkusen. “We’ve earned a point and lost once in the games against the teams above us. It’d be nice if we could end the first half the season by beating one of those teams. That’s our goal and means we go into the game with confidence,” Pätzold stated .
Since the last-minute defeat to Bayern in October, Bayer 04 have conceded just one goal and belief within the team has grown. “We’re looking forward to a similarly good game as against Bayern, where we can go into it without pressure. If we perform to our best, we’ve got a good chance,” said the coach, aware that Wolfsburg have won their last seven competitive fixtures. “We’re playing against one of Germany’s top teams – that’s motivation enough. Everyone knows about Wolfsburg’s qualities. We need the game to go our way but have also shown often enough that we can do it.”






“We need to be brave enough to press the opponent high and also be able to withstand periods of opposition possession where we defend as a group,” the coach explained of what’s needed from his team, adding, “We won’t get too many chances, so need to be clinical, but also be able to deal with setbacks like we did against Bayern.” His team has regularly demonstrated those qualities in recent results. “We’ve created some maturity, mastering various situations mentally and continuing to believe in ourselves,” the 45-year-old continued. “Wolfsburg have been susceptible in various ways this season. That gives us enough reasons to go into the game with confidence.”
All 11 players who were in action for their national teams have returned to Leverkusen fit and healthy. Estrella Merino Gonzalez and Delice Boboy, who scored a combined four goals for Germany’s U19s, rejoined training on Thursday. The rest of the squad used the break for further practice with a 4-0 friendly win over Dutch side Zwolle. “We were in a similar situation ahead of the Köln game. Results have shown we’re well-drilled and that everyone knows our ideals and their role. It’ll be about managing the workload to go into a game that will demand the most of us with fresh minds and legs,” Pätzold stated.
Loreen Bender, who scored twice in the friendly, is back in the squad following a bout of tonsilitis. Sofia Cava Marin (knee), Synne Skinnes Hansen (thigh), Vanessa Haim (back) and Paulina Bartz (fitness) are all still sidelined.

MG Motor is continuing their close partnership with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The official automotive partner for the Werkself will additionally remain a Leverkusen Premium Partner in the coming 2025/26 campaign as was the case last season. The dual commitment of MG Motor means the car manufacturer continues to provide reliable and important support to the Champions League club.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win at Sonnenhof Großaspach in the first round of the DFB-Pokal 2025/26...
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Bayer 04 are through to the second round of the DFB Pokal after a 4-0 win at Sonnenhof Großaspach on Friday night. The game was paused after only 18 minutes due to a storm over the ground. After a lengthy delay, play resumed and Patrik Schick opened the scoring. Arthur, Christian Kofane and Alejandro Grimaldo made things more comfortable in the second half, as the fourth-tier side had two players sent off.
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There were no goals across 115 minutes of football between Bayer 04 Women and PSV Eindhoven in Friday’s friendly. Roberto Pätzold’s team played two 45-minute periods before an extra 25 minutes two days prior to heading to Rieden for their training camp. Their Dutch opponents were preparing for their UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier in 12 days.
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