Bayer Leverkusen

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Skibbe Delighted With Hard-Fought Win

Bayer Leverkusen trainer Michael Skibbe was left happy to see his side triumph over fellow European hopefuls Stuttgart at the Bay-Arena to arrest their recent poor run of results.

Two goals from midfielder Simon Rolfes and one from Stefan Kießling sealed a 3-0 win over Stuttgart, which sees the Werkself up to fourth in the Bundesliga.

After the final whistle, Michael Skibbe professed his satisfaction with the three points gained.

“We had a lot of trouble in the opening phase of the game against a very strong team. We twice got lucky as Rene Adler made two fantastic saves” he said..

“The first goal gave us more security and in the second half we combined very well. I am happy that we have ended our negative run and that we have improved our situation” he added.

“We now want to stay where we are.”

Goal.com - Germany - Skibbe Delighted With Hard-Fought Win

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Bundesliga, Matchday 29 | PREVIEW
Arminia Bielefeld – Bayer Leverkusen

Time is running out for Bielefeld as they bid to secure their Bundesliga survival. They have six games to rescue their top-flight status, but have arguably the toughest run-in of all the sides at the bottom.

The arrival of Leverkusen at the Schüco-Arena provides the first of six huge matches for the ‘Arminen’, but it difficult to see where they are going to pick up the required points from with further games against Nürnberg, Bayern and Stuttgart (away) and Bochum and Dortmund (home).

Saturday’s loss to fellow strugglers Energie Cottbus saw them drop more points to their rivals at the bottom and they will face another tough task on Wednesday against Leverkusen, who are striving for a top three finish.

An impressive 3-0 home win over Stuttgart on Sunday will have given the Werkself a confidence boost after their disappointing Uefa Cup exit at the hands of Zenit St Petersburg.

[__-SNAKE-__]

Rene Adler was awesome again, the kid should defeintly be taken to the Euro if not, screw Low and Lehmann.

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Arminia Bielefeld 1 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen

51' [1 - 0] A. Mijatovic

Arminia Bielefeld 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen

Arminia Bielefeld climbed out of the bottom three with a narrow 1-0 win over a disappointing Bayer Leverkusen, who have lost ground in the race for the European places.

The struggling home side took the lead on 51 minutes with Andre Mijatovic getting his name on the score sheet. Marx fired a free kick into the area and Mijatovic was the one who rose the highest to head past Rene Adler.

The single goal proved enough in the end to seal a potentially vital three points for the ‘Arminen’.

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Bundesliga, Matchday 30 | PREVIEW
Bayer Leverkusen - Wolfsburg

The final match of the weekend sees Bayer Leverkusen entertain Felix Magath’s Wolfsburg at the Bay-Arena.

As everywhere this weekend, the three points on offer could prove vital to both sides in their quest to secure a Uefa Cup spot next season. Admittedly Leverkusen look to have the better chance looking at the league table, but Wolfsburg do have an outside chance still.

Much however will depend on whether they can rediscover the form they produced immediately after the winter break, when they were the form side in the whole Bundesliga. Two consecutive defeats to Bochum and Nürnberg have dented their progress.

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A report in Friday's Bild claims that Bayer Leverkusen are on the verge of bringing Fluminense defender Thiago Emiliano da Silva to the Bundesliga.

The club have had a rich tradition of recruiting Brazilian talent, with the likes of Sergio, Zé Roberto, Emerson, Juan and Lucio all carving out a reputation for themselves at the BayArena.

Samba Return

And after a season without any Brazilians in the ranks it appears Leverkusen are ready to go back down the South American route. "We used our free weekend here to go and watch a couple of Brazilian games," commented sporting director Rudi Völler of his an assistant Michael Reschke's activities during last weekend's German Cup Final.

Thiago On His Way?

But according to Bild, Leverkusen are much further along the line than simply watching players: it is claimed that negotiations with 23-year-old Fluminense stopper Thiago are well underway and that Bayer believe he could be the next Lucio.

The centre-back has had less than successful spells in Europe already wit FC Porto and Dynamo Moskau, but having seen how well Werder Bremen transformed another European flop, Diego, Leverkusen are willing to take a chance and pay €6-8m to sign the player who is also being chased by Hamburg and AC Milan.

"We're not one of the very richest clubs," commented coach Michael Skibbe when asked about the transfer fee. "But we have got a few million knocking about."

Goal.com - Germany - Leverkusen Eye Centre-Back Thiago

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Bayer Leverkusen 2 - 2 Wolfsburg

13' [0 - 1] E. Dzeko
33' [1 - 1] T. Gekas
43' [1 - 2] M. Hasebe
73' [2 - 2] R. Costa (o.g.)

Own goal saves Bayer

An own goal from Ricardo Costa has spared Bayer's blushes.

Wolfsburg's Portuguese defender put Dimitri Bulykin's cross past his own keeper 17 minutes from time to hand Bayer Leverkusen a point in the 2-2 draw.

Leverkusen have picked up only four points from their last six matches, however. The "Wolves", with just one point from three matches, stay seventh.

Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring for Wolfsburg after 13 minutes when he followed up Grafite's effort that hit the post.

Bayer equalised through Theofanis Gekas (33), but Makoto Hasebe restored VfL's lead ten minutes later, again after good work from Grafite.

Grafite (54), back from a five-game suspension, and Marcelinho (56) missed chances to make it 3-1 before Bayer turned up the pressure.

Josue cleared off his line from Sergej Barbarez's header before Costa put through his own net.

Bayer created several opportunities in a frantic finale, but VfL keeper Diego Benaglio kept the hosts at bay.

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With Bernd Schneider out injured, Simon Rolfes has found himself much more in the spotlight at Leverkusen. For Bayer's midfield dynamo, that's no problem.

bundesliga.de: You've played in 96 successive Bundesliga games. How does your body cope with it?

Simon Rolfes: You have to adopt a professional lifestyle, prepare properly for the games and for training. But a programme including strength- and stabilation exercises and post-match regeneration plays an important role as well. On top of that, I feel very much at home in Leverkusen, on and off the pitch. It's really down to a combination of different factors.

bundesliga.de: You've already scored seven goals this season. That's a great return for a defensive midfielder.

Rolfes: We normally play with two holding midfielders, and one of our tasks is to make our presence felt up front as well. First and foremost, of course, I have to see to my duties further back the pitch, stabilising the defence. But there will always be chances to get forward in a game. And for me, scoring goals is part of the job too.

bundesliga.de: The battle for UEFA Cup places is really hotting up. You're currently in a three-way battle with Hamburg and Stuttgart. Who will have their nose in front at the end of the season?

Rolfes: Hopefully us! It's pretty exciting at the moment, and it will probably go down to the final matchday. It was important for us to take a point from the Wolfsburg game, and keep them at arm's-length. The team has returned to even keel in the last few matches and I think we can improve further, free of the extra burden of competing in the UEFA Cup. That will help us win a place in Europe.

bundesliga.de: None of the three teams involved is playing consistently well at the moment. What do you see as the main problem at Bayer 04 Leverkusen right now?

Rolfes: There was a similar phase last season, where every side seemed to be just treading water. It's certainly got something to do with the international commitments, that's been noticable at Hamburg and with ourselves. I think those teams who have now had a bit of a break from those commitments are ready to feel the benefits.

bundesliga.de: Leverkusen travel to Duisburg on Saturday. Is that one you really have to win?

Rolfes: A win would be very significant, for sure, in terms of putting the other teams under pressure - seeing as we also have the better goal difference. It would mean we could focus completely on our own game, rather than what Hamburg or Stuttgart are doing.

bundesliga.de: You play host to Werder Bremen on the final matchday. How do you rate your chances of still qualifying for the Champions League?

Rolfes: We'll have to wait till then to see. First off, we have to do our homework, and just take one game at a time. If we're still in with a chance of qualifying when we face Bremen, it's sure to be an interesting game. But until then, we're fighting for a UEFA Cup place.

bundesliga.de: How big a blow will Bernd Schneider's injury be to the progress of this young team?

Rolfes: Bernd Schneider has missed a lot of games this season, unfortunately. In that sense, I don't think his absence will greatly affect the final few games. It's a pity for all of us, and above all for him, that he's been plagued with injuries all season, and been unable to train properly and find his top form. Hopefully, it will be a different story next season.

bundesliga.de: Do you now see yourself more in the role of on-field leader?

Rolfes: When a player like Bernd Schneider drops out, others have to take on more responsibility, and I would be one of those for sure.

bundesliga.de: What will you be doing this year in June?

Rolfes: I'm hoping I won't be on holiday! With a good season behind me, I'll certainly be in with a shout of making the national squad. I'm very optimistic.

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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Bundesliga, Matchday 31 | PREVIEW
Duisburg – Bayer Leverkusen

Bottom club Duisburg entertain fourth placed Bayer Leverkusen looking for the vital win that could kick start their bid for Bundesliga survival. The Zebras have beaten both Werder Bremen and Hamburg in recent weeks so they know how to raise their game to beat teams in the top six. For them three points against Leverkusen would be a god send.

Leverkusen look to have their Uefa Cup place secured, but with a six point gap between them and third place Schalke, nothing less than a win will do if they still harbour dreams of a top three finish and Champions League football next season.

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Duisburg 3 - 2 Bayer Leverkusen

14' [1 - 0] M. Ishiaku
18' [1 - 1] L. Sinkiewicz
36' [2 - 1] M. Ishiaku
73' [2 - 2] T. Barnetta
90' [3 - 2] B. Georgiev

DUISBURG CLIMB OFF THE BOTTOM

A stoppage-time winner from Blagoy Georgiev fired Duisburg to a 3-2 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and off the bottom of the table.

Duisburg twice took the lead through Manasseh Ishiaku and twice surrendered it, courtesy of goals from Lukas Sinkiewicz and Tranquillo Barnetta, before Georgiev's decisive strike.

Rudi Bommer's men are now third from bottom, three points from safety with three matches to go.

Leverkusen controlled the early exchanges but fell behind after 14 minutes following a Duisburg corner and a defensive mix-up in the penalty area.

Ishiaku took advantage with Rene Adler powerless to stop it.

The lead lasted just four minutes, though, as Sinkiewicz headed home a free-kick from Sascha Dum, who was at least partly culpable for Duisburg's opener.

Ishiaku restored the lead after 36 minutes - he was all alone in the area as Georgiev's long cross reached him and the Nigerian striker headed his second.

Duisburg went in search of a third after the break and came close when Georgiev fired over from distance two minutes after the break.

The Bulgarian had an excellent chance just before the hour when he was played in by Claudio Niculescu, but he delayed and Gonzalo Castro tackled well.

Most of the pressure was at the other end though, and the equaliser duly came when Arturo Vidal's well-placed cross was met by the head of Barnetta.

Duisburg snatched the lead for the third and final time in the 91st minute.

Simon Rolfes' stumble in his own box proved costly as Georgiev took advantage to fire the winner.

SportingLife.com

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Bundesliga, Matchday 32 | PREVIEW
Bayer Leverkusen – Hertha Berlin

Michael Skibbe’s side slipped up on Sunday when going down 3-2 to relegation threatened Duisburg, so will be looking for a positive response when they meet Hertha Berlin at the Bay-Arena.

The Werkself are now three points adrift of fifth placed Stuttgart so have it all to do if they are not to finish the season disappointed. For so long they looked like potential title challengers, but a late dip in form has seen them slip out of the European places all together.

Lucien Favre will also be disappointed at the end of the season when he looks back at the Bundesliga campaign of his team. The capital club currently lie 12th which is two places lower than they finished last season, so the accusation will be that Hertha have gone backwards under their new boss.

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Haggui undergoes operation

Tunisian international Karim Haggui of Bayer Leverkusen is to have an operation in the next few days to repair damanged adductors.

The 24-year old central defender looks set to be out to the end of the season. For Wednesday's home game against 'Hertha BSC, Bayer Leverkusen will also be missing Bernd Schneider (damaged discs) and Chilean Arturo Vidal who is suspended,.

Says coach Michael Skibbe: "We feel it's now or never for us. We want to prove we can play better. 'Come what may, we need three home points. When it comes to a UEFA cup place, the clock stands at five to midnight. We want to halt our poor run."

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Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 2 Hertha BSC

26' [0 - 1] M. Pantelic
68' [0 - 2] S. Chahed (pen.)
89' [1 - 2] L. Sinkiewicz

Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin grabbed a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen at the Bay-Arena to inflict a severe blow to the Werkself’s hopes of European qualification.

The capital club got their noses in front after 26 minutes with Marko Pantelic rather predictably the scorer. The lead came from nothing as Raffael dribbled goalwards. He lost control, but fortunately for Hertha the ball fell to Pantelic, who fired into the corner of Adler’s goal to hand the visitors the lead.

Lucien Favre’s team then doubled their lead at the Bay-Arena from the penalty spot on 68 minutes. Forward Lukasz Piszczek was felled by Rene Adler in full flight and the referee had no option but to point to the spot. Midfielder Sofian Chahed converted the penalty to put Hertha in control.

A last minute goal from Lukas Sinkiewicz proved too little, too late to save Bayer from their second successive Bundesliga defeat.

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Leverkusen Fans Call For Skibbe’s Head

The pressure on Bayer Leverkusen trainer Michael Skibbe is mounting following their second successive league defeat. Some sections of the Bayer crowd are calling for him to be fired with the club in danger of missing out on European qualification.

A 2-1 home loss to Hertha Berlin last night was the second in a row for the Werkself after a weekend loss to Duisburg. Those results have seen the club slip three points behind Stuttgart in fifth.

Bayer have won just one of their last eight games, and are now in real danger of missing out on European qualification this season. Some fans are laying the blame firmly at the feet of trainer Michael Skibbe.

It is the second season in a row that Leverkusen have collapsed in the final weeks of the season after showing much promise, and fans expressed their anger after Wednesday night's game with calls for Skibbe to quit.

However, after the match, the coach was only focused on Saturday's trip to Rostock.

"We are completely dissatisfied with our performance" he said.

"It is hard for us to get our heads clear, but we have got to collect all of our strength and try to win in Rostock."

Leverkusen finish the season at the Bay-Arena against Werder Bremen, after which the future of Skibbe will be decided.

"We will wait to see how the last three games of the season go and then we will discuss matters" said chairman Wolfgang Holzhauser in the Express newspaper before Wednesday's defeat.

"The fact is, we had been playing so well over such a long time and we cannot put that all at risk now."

Skibbe admitted that he is "in the firing line", but that he "will accept the responsibility", in the good and the bad times.

Goal.com - Germany - Leverkusen Fans Call For Skibbe’s Head