FCB Women head to Leverkusen with record run behind them | OneFootball

FC Bayern Women boast a perfect record after the first three matchdays of the Bundesliga season: following the opening win at Union Berlin and the victory against Mainz 05, the double winners also saw off SC Freiburg last time out. Now they head to North Rhine-Westphalia for their next test, where José Barcala’s side face Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Matchday 4 of the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Kick-off at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion is at 18:00 CEST. 

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Bayern have taken the maximum tally of nine points from three games. In the 4-1 success against Freiburg last Sunday, the Munich girls not only celebrated their second home win of the campaign, but also set a remarkable new record of 45 Women’s Bundesliga matches without defeat. There was also cause for celebration for Sarah Zadrazil as the Austrian made her comeback from a cruciate ligament tear in the clash with the Breisgau club.

FCB set a new record in the German top flight against Freiburg:

Five milestones in FC Bayern Women’s record run

This record should give Bayern plenty of confidence for the meeting with the Werkself, too. They’ve won 26 of the 30 previous Bundesliga encounters between the two teams, with one ending in a draw and Leverkusen winning three. FCB haven’t even conceded in the last three games against Bayer 04.

Opponents: Bayer Leverkusen

The team coached by Roberto Pätzold started the campaign with a 2-0 victory at RB Leipzig before a narrow 2-1 loss at home to VfL Wolfsburg. They returned to winning ways last time out, beating TSG Hoffenheim 2-1.

The squad underwent significant changes over the summer. One prominent name is long-time Bayern player Carolin Simon, although she won’t feature against her former club due to injury. The likes of Paulina Tomasiak, Maja Sternad, Lobke Loonen and Natasha Kowalski have also strengthened the squad. Departures included goalkeeper Friederike Repohl, who retired, and Katharina Piljić, who moved to Wolfsburg, as well as Carlotta Wamser, who joined Manchester City in England.

Team news

Barcala continues to be without long-term absentees Anna Klink (broken hand) and Stine Ballisager (hamstring). Lena Oberdorf, Magdalena Eriksson (both knee) and Regina van Eijk (ankle) are also unavailable for this one. Franziska Kett is set to return to the squad after her ankle injury, though.

Pre-match thoughts

José Barcala: “Leverkusen have started the season very well, only losing against Wolfsburg. They’re capable of pressing high over a long period. That makes it difficult for every opponent because Leverkusen just don’t get tired. On the other hand, that does also open up opportunities if we play with composure, get our timings right and show our good passing and positional game. We’ll certainly have a few tactical challenges against Leverkusen but we’ll be well prepared.”

Ticket information for FCB Women’s Champions League home matches:

Get your tickets for FC Bayern Women’s European home games

A big interview with Ena Mahmutovic:

Standing tall: Ena Mahmutovic interview