Ahead of kick-off, the players and fans ensured a really emotional moment: While Kies' team-mates warmed up in shirts with his number on, the fans produced an impressive choreography that stretched across the whole of the North and East Stand terraces during the official farewell by Michael Schade and Rudi Völler.
During the game against Hannover 96, it took a while for the striker to process his first impressions of his final game. With the match drawing to a close, he came off the bench and the fans went wild. "We want Stefan!" rang through the BayArena until the substitution happened: Kießling came on in the 83rd minute to make his 403rd and final Bundesliga appearance.
The scenes after the final whistle in Stefan's second home did not leave a dry eye in the house: There were kisses from his wife Norina and their children before Kies set off on a long lap of honour that ended up with his fellow players and the fans at the North Stand. After further vocal appreciation and the bumps from his team-mates, Kies' final speech made it clear: It was a fairy-tale farewell.
Twelve Werkself players have been selected for their national teams in the final international break of the year, with the Leverkusen's international players competing in the final group matches in the UEFA Nations League, in qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. We round up all the results involving Bayer 04 players here.
Show moreFive players in the Bayer 04 Women squad have been selected for the Germany U23s for two international fixtures. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Tuesday afternoon.
Show moreBayer 04’s Bundesliga game at home to St. Pauli on Saturday, 7 December will be the next district matchday of the season, with the district of Hitdorf being the stage for numerous activities in the week building up to the fixture against the promoted side.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Fanzone opens in two days time on Wednesday, 20 November in the South Stand at the BayArena. Bayer 04 fans will be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art, interactive shopping and fan experience covering more than 700 square metres. Black and Reds supporters are warmly welcome to spend an exciting day in this brand-new area at the stadium.
Show moreIt is already a fact that the Bayer 04 Women have had their best Hinrunde ever. The Werkself are fourth in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga on 23 points two behind the top team. Tickets are now on sale for the final games of the year. The tickets for the last two home matches in 2024 at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium are available now. First up on Friday, 6 December (kick-off: 18.30 CET) are last season's runners-up VfL Wolfsburg and that is followed by the home game at the start of the Rückrunde against SC Freiburg on Saturday, 14 December (12.00 CET).
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