‘Put in a top performance’: Women’s side take on holders Bayern Munich in DFB Pokal Round of 16

In their most recent 2-0 defeat in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga away to FC Nürnberg, the Leverkusen Women failed to live up to their potential. “We’ve realised once again it’s going to be tough against any side if we don’t perform to our absolute best. In Munich, a lot of things will have to fall into place for us to get a result, but it’s definitely within the realms of possibility,” said Pätzold: “We need to put in a top performance both individually and as a team, and Bayern will need to have an off day.”

Pätzold: "in a position to compete"

The narrow 3-2 defeat in the league clash, down to a late goal from FC Bayern, could serve as a lesson. “Our home match showed we’re capable of keeping it tight; we had them on the brink of defeat. Now we want to build confidence for the league with a good performance and, ideally, a big upset,” said the coach. The recent away match against the favourites also offers hope – despite the 2-0 defeat – brings back positive memories: “Last season we put in a top performance at the Allianz Arena,” said Pätzold.

Unlike the Werkself, Bayern Munich were in action during the week. On Wednesday, the German champions fought their way to a 2–2 draw with Real Madrid. “They’ve just come off the back of a tough Champions League match where which they couldn’t hold anything back. Perhaps that could be a factor,” said Pätzold: “We must ruthlessly exploit our opportunities and work together to contain Bayern’s attacking power. They’ve had more close matches this season than at the same stage last year and have also conceded more goals.” While the league leaders’ record of eight wins from eight league matches looks flawless, two of the seven goals scored against Bayern were netted by the Black and Reds. “For us, a match like this without any pressure could be just what we need to make amends for the league defeat,” declared Pätzold: “The fact that, as clear underdogs in such an all-or-nothing match, we have less to lose can be an advantage in certain situations.”

FC Bayern squad "full of world-class and exceptional players"

Coach Jose Barcala’s team is “always committed to attacking play lots of players, which sometimes leaves them vulnerable in transition. They set themselves the high standard of playing the ball out in a controlled manner even under intense pressure,” explained Pätzold: “This creates opportunities to win the ball back in the opposition half. Overall, however, Bayern naturally have a top-class squad full of world-class and exceptional players.” Should the Werkself manage to defeat this team, it would be the first defeat for FCB at national level since October 2024.

Zdebel returns

As the team aims to reach the quarter-finals, vice-captain Sofie Zdebel (following a muscle injury) is back in action. Natasha Kowalski (who has fallen behind in training), Paulina Tomasiak (muscle injury), Sana Coskun (muscle-tendon injury), Melissa Friedrich (rehab training) and Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate ligament) remain sidelined.

away Tickets in Block F and standing section in south stand

Fans who wish to support the Werkself in person can get tickets HERE for the away stand (Block F) at the FC Bayern Campus. The standing section of the South Stand is reserved for Bayer 04 supporters. As tickets are on general sale, you are generally free to choose any block. Those unable to attend in person can watch the match HERE via the ARD stream or live on Sky.