The club is thereby raising attention for an important issue. Every year on 17 November the focus is on premature births and associated implications. 60,000 children are preterm in Germany. That means every tenth child is born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies are the biggest child patient group in Germany. Even though chances of survival are good these days due to medical progress, many families are still confronted with this issue.
The idea of lighting up individual buildings (Purple for Preemies) originally comes from the American organisation March of Dimes and it is growing in popularity. In addition to the BayArena, other buildings to be bathed in purple include the Empire State Building in New York, the castle in Heidelberg and the Bettenhochhaus ward tower block at the Charité hospital in Berlin.
The Klinikum Leverkusen hospital is also centre stage on World Prematurity Day. Former patients and their parents have been invited to the hospital grounds to meet up for a lantern procession under the motto of 'Purple for Preemies – Lila für Frühchen'. Players from the Bayer 04 Women's team will also be at the procession to raise awareness of the issue.
Klinikum Leverkusen is the main centre for the care of premature babies for the other hospitals and clinics in the city as well as in the Bergisches Land. With around 1,600 births per year it is one of the most experienced maternity hospitals in the region. 345 premature babies were treated there last year. Given the particularly high quality of care, the smallest preterm babies with a birthweight of 500 grammes or less survive. Bayer 04 has been involved in a partnership with the hospital for many years.
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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