On 18 May 1988, they all took part in the first title won by Bayer 04 on that legendary night at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium with the 'Miracle of Leverkusen' in the return leg of the final against Espanyol. Together with around 300 fans, the players from back then not only recalled the memorable fightback after being 3-0 down in the first leg and the dramatic penalty shootout in the return leg but also reviewed the whole UEFA Cup season. Austria Vienna, FC Toulouse, Feyenoord, FC Barcelona, Werder Bremen and finally Espanyol in the two-legged final– were the opponents in the competition. 13 of the UEFA Cup winners of 1988 came together to review that special season in a relaxed atmosphere. Marcus Feinbier, Florian Hinterberger, Christian Schreier, Falko Götz, Christian Hausmann, Andrzej Buncol, Wolfgang Rolff, Erich Seckler, Knut Reinhardt, Bernd Dreher and Rüdiger Vollborn took part along with assistant coach Gerd Kentschke and the then general manager Michael Meier.
Vollborn, one of the Bayer 04 fan liaison team and a proud cup winner, organised the meeting together with Dirk Dreher, the manager of the Veterans team. The event in the West stand at the BayArena was compered by stadium announcer Tobias Ufer who invited the heroes of yesteryear up to the stage for interview one at a time. "We watched video highlights of all the games with the fans and then spoke about them in detail with one or two anecdotes exchanged," said Rüdiger Vollborn. "It was a wonderful night." Many of the fans present took the opportunity to have themselves photographed with the UEFA Cup or to buy the white special kit commemorating the 1998 triumph, which the Werkself players wore in the last Bundesliga away game of the season at Werder Bremen.
In fact, 18 May is not the only time this year that former winners will meet up. "We've planned another big meeting in September or October where we'll celebrate with the 1988 UEFA Cup winners as well as the DFB Cup winners of 1993. Then, Tita and Bum-kun Cha, who weren't here this time, will be at the event," said Vollborn. An event with fans is also planned for 12 June to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the DFB Cup win. Bayer 04 will definitely not fail to celebrate these events this year.
Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
Show more
Assistant coach Remzi Kahraman is leaving the Bayer 04 Women’s team with immediate effect to take up a new challenge abroad. The club has agreed to the 31-year-old’s request to leave, although his contract was originally due to run until 2027. A decision on his successor will be announced shortly.
Show more
At the U19 European Championship in Wales, the Germany U19 national team lost their third and final group match 4-0 to Spain. Several regulars, including Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan to SV Elversberg), who had combined for four goals and assists in the two previous victories, did not feature,. Germany had already secured their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare.
Show more
Two weeks into the preseason, the Bayer 04 Women have secured their first victory. Coach Roberto Pätzold’s team won their first friendly 2–0 against Bundesliga newcomers Mainz 05. In front of 160 spectators at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, the two summer signings, Maja Sternad (80’) and Justine Brandau (90’), scored for the Black and Reds.
Show more
