A look at the stats gives more or less reason for optimism depending on perspective from a Black and Red point of view: The Werkself have lost nine out of the last ten games against the seven-time champions of Germany but, on the other hand, they are unbeaten in the last five home games and collected eleven of the sixteen points in the Hinrunde at the UHS. "It's a great little run we want to keep going," said de Pauw, although he is well aware: "We haven't played at home to the top teams yet." Over 1,000 tickets have been sold for the game on Sunday. "The spectators can give us an extra weapon. We need special support especially for this game," declared the coach.
The 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen despite leading for so long did not prey on the minds of the team. "Unfortunately we lacked the necessary energy in the closing stages and we were punished for that. We discussed that in clear terms but now we are looking forwards again," said de Pauw.
The Dutchman is aware that the challenge against the Wolves could well be even more complicated. "Ahead of the winter break, they found it difficult at times. Now they've made a great start against a tough opponent in Essen. It was impressive how they dealt with going behind," said the coach. That brings him to a logical conclusion: "We have to hope for a worse day for them and a good day for us and be effective accordingly." What does it come down to? "Of course, the basis is a better defensive organisation than in Bremen. Then we will be able to hurt them up front as well."
At the start of the season, his team had almost no chances in the 3-0 defeat in Wolfsburg. De Pauw believes his players can learn from that. "We have to make better decisions in the final third. Often we have broken through but then lacked precision and through that scarcely created any clear chances on goal," he said. In the spotlight here is the Poland international Nikola Karczewska, who scored her sixth goal of the season in Bremen. She is faced by her opposite number VfL striker Ewa Pajor who has also netted six goals. For that reason the Werkself defence will have to "keep an eye on the spaces at the back and that obviously applies to set pieces."
Janou Levels (hip) and Clara Fröhlich (illness) remain sidelined Sofia Cava Marin, Delice Boboy and Julia Mickenhage will probably play for the second team on Sunday. Otherwise, de Pauw has his whole squad available.
The pay streaming service DAZN will make the match available free of charge on their own app. Fans only need an account with the streaming service to take up the free offer. As usual, the match will also be broadcast live on MagentaSport live. Tickets for the Bayer 04 Women's home game at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium are available in advance HERE online or from the matchday ticket office.
Bayer 04 Women end their record-breaking season away at Wolfsburg on Sunday (kick-off: 2pm CEST). Although the Werkself know they will finish the campaign in fourth for their best-ever finish, head coach Roberto Pätzold has called on his team to produce one final big result.
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Bayer 04 Women will be without Caroline Kehrer and Charlotte Voll for the remainder of the season. Striker Kehrer suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during training, while goalkeeper Voll tore the syndesmosis in her right foot.
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Bayer 04 are again strongly represented in this year's Bundesliga Team of the Season from the games manufacturer EA Sports. Five Werkself players have been voted into the top XI for the 2024/25 season, a duo from the Bayer 04 Women's team are in the female Bundesliga TOTS. Bayer 04 were well represented last season with six male players in the top eleven, the most players from one club.
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A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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