Berlin, Berlin, we're flying to Berlin
After the final pre-match training session on Friday afternoon, the Werkself flew to Berlin for the final match of the season. Absentees were Lars Bender, Hakan Calhanoglu, Kevin Volland, Roberto Hilbert, Ömer Toprak, Kevin Kampl and Karim Bellarabi who misses out due to a pulled stomach muscle.
It's the same procedure as usual on the final matchday including a communal walk ahead of the game. The team and staff will return home on Saturday night. As there is no training on Sunday it is the last obligatory commitment for the team.
Current state of play
The 'Old Lady' has only collected less points against Bayern Munich on average (0.69) than against Leverkusen (0.93) based on a minimum of three games played. However, Hertha will finish above Bayer 04 for the first time since the 2008/09 season. A victory would see the Berlin side retain fifth spot – that would be the best finish since 2008/09 (fourth).
Europe is in Hertha's sights: The Berliners could slip down as far as seventh place but that would still qualify them for the Europa League if Borussia Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Cup final. One thing is certain regardless of other results: One point would be enough for Hertha to finish in at least six position. Bayer 04 can finish no higher than eleventh
More over: Over two seasons, Hertha have been in the top six 461 of the last 62 match days - the only time that was not the case was on matchday 34 of last season when they were seventh. A 0-0 draw at Mainz saw Hertha miss out on direct Europa League qualification. A bitter blow.
#FinallyRED - Everyone in RED
The Werkself are joining in with their red strip. And the fans too: The campaign #finallyRED calls for the away end to be in red on Saturday with all Werkself fans showing their true colours in Berlin.
‘Donate beakers – save lives'
Spectators at the stadium on Saturday can donate their deposit beakers and JustPay payment cards for the battle against cancer. All the money raised will be donated to the ‘KINDerLEBEN’ Association supporting the children's cancer hospital in Berlin.
Bayer 04 fans in the away end will also be able to set up containers to collect the beakers or donate cash to the collections. Join in support for the donation campaign on Saturday by putting your beakers in the appropriate donation container in the away end.
Matchday three in the league stage of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 takes Bayer 04 to Stade Brest. To be more exact to Guingamp where the game against the most westerly top-flight club in France will be played at the Stade de Roudouro on Wednesday, 23 October with the kick-off at 18.45 CEST. The match will be covered live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio. Up to then we will take you on the tour #aCROSSeurope and keep you up-to-date on the Werkself in Brittany.
Show moreThe Werkself face French club Stade Brest on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams won their first two games in Europe's premier club competition. Kick-off is at 18:45 CEST this evening, Wednesday 23 October, at the Stade du Roudourou (Guingamp). Catch up with key information ahead of the clash.
Show moreStill unbeaten and now with seven points to their name: In the third match of the 2024/25 UEFA Youth League, Bayer 04 U19s earned a point at Stade Brest. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Stade Francis-Le Blé, Kerim Alajbegovic put Leverkusen ahead (24'), but the French side equalised shortly before the break. After the break, Artem Stepanov had the best chance for the Werkself but his shot hit the post and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Show moreBayer 04 are away to Stade Brest on Wednesday, 23 October (kick-off: 18.45 CEST at the Stade de Roudourou, live on DAZN) on matchday three in the UEFA Champions League. Ahead of the game, to be played in Guingamp, head coach Xabi Alonso and Martin Terrier spoke about their ambitions, the dangerous opponents as well as the personnel situation at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday night.
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