In the two semi-finals of the UEFA Women's Nations League, European Championship shooting star Carlotta Wamser played the full 90 minutes for Germany. A narrow 1-0 win against France in Düsseldorf was followed by a 2-2 draw in Caen, France, on Tuesday evening, meaning that Germany now face Spain in the final of the Women's Nations League on 28 November and 2 December, to be played as a two-legged tie. The World Cup and Euros winners beat Sweden in the other semi-final.
Centre-back Claudia Wenger with Austria secured their place in League A of the Women's Nations League. After a 1-0 defeat in the first play-off against the Czech Republic, Austria won the second leg in Vienna 2-0. Wenger played the full match in Czechia but did not feature in the second leg.
The Leverkusen trio of Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Julia Mickenhagen and Katharina Piljic returned to the Rhineland with two victories. The Germany U23s clocked up very convincing wins in two friendlies against England (5-0) Sweden (4-0). In the first match against England, Merino Gonzalez, who recently received the Fritz Walter Siver Medal in the U19 category from the DFB, only came on in the second half on the hour mark to manage her time on the pitch. All three were in the starting XI for the clash with Sweden four days later. Merino Gonzalez and Mickenhagen played as full-backs, while Piljic was substituted on 76 minutes.
Ida Daedelow played her first game for the Germany U19 team. The 18-year-old midfielder made her debut appearance in a 3-0 victory over the Norway U19s, coming on as a substitute on 61 minutes. Her second appearance soon followed: Daedelow came off the bench on 66 minutes in the second half of the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands U19s.
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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