"Of course, the Pokal game is still at the back of our minds, especially because it was very intense and full of twists and turns," recalls coach Roberto Pätzold: "We had plenty of opportunities there to win the game before extra time, but we didn't exploit our attacking superiority enough." Back then, Julia Mickenhagen cancelled out Hamburg's lead with a wonder goal from 25 metres out, and after several missed chances to net the winner, the hosts finally prevailed from the penalty spot. "This time we want to show our quality on the pitch and reward ourselves with three points," said Pätzold.
After the recent 1-0 home win against FC Carl Zeiss Jena, the coach sees potential for improvement, particularly in his team’s attacking play. Although they showed "good approach work in many phases" against Jena and played a controlled game in the final third, they lacked consistency: "We have to manage to show more dominance and be more clinical with our chances."
He expects coach Liese Brancao's team to be "just as motivated as Jena recently", who are twelfth in the table, three points ahead of the relegation places, and urgently need a result in their fight to stay up. Hamburg have shown in the second half of the season "that they want to play constructive football and show a lot of commitment". Accordingly, the coach expects an intense match: "It will be a hard-fought game where nothing will be given to us."
The Leverkusen coach describes the opponents as a dangerous mix: "Hamburg are not your average promoted team, but they play with a typical promoted attitude." Packed with a number of internationals and characterised by a bold attitude, HSV are difficult to play against, but also show fluctuations. "That's where we have to start and consistently bring our strengths to the pitch." Above all, "high intensity" will be crucial. The Volksparkstadion will also see a quick reunion on Monday with attacking player Paulina Bartz, who joined HSV on loan in the winter and recently scored her first Bundesliga goal in Jena.
Bayer 04 will be able to call on Loreen Bender again after she served her one-match suspension.Juliette Vidal and Shen Menglu (both muscular problems) are doubtful, while Caroline Kehrer (knee), Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate), Charlotte Voll (rehab training) and Friederike Repohl (partial ligament tear) are still sidelined.
If you would like to support the Werkself at the Volksparkstadion, you can purchase tickets HERE. Blocks 16a and 17a are allocated to away fans.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.
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Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.
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The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro will lead a club delegation to Brazil from July 2-6 for a program of partner engagement, community activities and football development initiatives across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract of promising striker Amy Wrigge on a long-term basis. The 18-year-old Germany U19 international, currently recovering from a torn cruciate in her left knee, has signed a new contract to 30 June 2029.
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