Six Leverkusen players form the biggest group in the German squad for the two final matches in the U 23 games played in morphia in Spain. In addition to captain Kristin Kögel, Julia Mickenhagen, Selina Ostermeier, Katharina Piljic and Sofie Zdebel are joined for the first time by Loreen Bender. The offensive player missed out on the last outing of the team under coach Kathrin Peter due to injury. She is part of the Werkself sextet for Friday's semi-final against the Netherlands and according to the outcome of that match for the game for third place or the final on Monday against the winners of the match between Italy and Norway. The 19-year-old has made 30 international appearances for teams from the U15s through to the U20s ahead of her debut for the U23s.
Ruby Grant is in action with the same age group at the end of the international break. The midfielder, who joined Leverkusen in the winter break, is set to play for the England U23s against Spain on Thursday and then against Belgium or Sweden on Sunday.
For two other Bayer 04 Women there is a mini tournament in Poland to qualify for the U19 Euros. Delice Boboy and Estrella Merino Gonzalez with the Germany team play Israel on Wednesday and then Finland on Saturday before a final game against the hosts Poland. The first Euro qualifying round saw the U19s comfortably finish top of the group now the team led by coach Michael Urbansky must win their seventh mini tournament to ensure a place in the finals from 15 to 27 June. If the already qualified Poland finished top then the best second placed side of all the mini tournaments take their place.
Matchdays three and four in the UEFA Women's Nation's League are coming up. Striker Cornelia Kramer with Denmark is away to Wales on Friday and at home to Italy on Tuesday. Midfielder Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir is with Iceland on the same days in front of the home crowd twice: first against Norway then against Switzerland.
International call-ups:
Cornelia Kramer (Denmark)
Friday, 04.04.: Wales vs Denmark (UEFA Women’s Nations League)
Tuesday, 08.04.: Denmark vs Italy (UEFA Women’s Nations League)
Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir (Island)
Friday, 04.04.: Iceland vs Norway (UEFA Women’s Nations League)
Tuesday, 08.04.: Iceland vs Switzerland (UEFA Women’s Nations League)
Loreen Bender, Kristin Kögel, Julia Mickenhagen, Selina Ostermeier, Katharina Piljic, Sofie Zdebel (Germany U23)
Friday, 04.04.: Germany vs Netherlands (International round, semi-finals)
Monday, 07.04.: Germany vs Italy/Norway (International round, third place play-off/final)
Ruby Grant (England U23)
Thursday, 03.04.: England vs Spain (International round)
Sunday, 06.04.: England vs Belgium/Sweden (International round)
Delice Boboy, Estrella Merino Gonzalez (Germany U19)
Wednesday, 02.04.: Germany vs Israel (Euro qualifier)
Saturday, 05.04.: Germany vs Finland (Euro qualifier)
Tuesday, 08.04.: Poland vs Germany (Euro qualifier)
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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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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