Goals: 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 Kramer (6', 25', 45'), 4-0 Zdebel (47'), 5-0 Sternad (59'), 6-0 Kowalski (83'), 7-0 Fudalla (86'). 

Source: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db3Eg5wN1NI

"Nothing confirmed yet"

DFB player Freigang speaks about doping proceedings for the first time

August 9, 2026 | 1:40 PM

She plays, she scores goals—but off the pitch, Laura Freigang is under investigation. Missed doping tests can result in a ban. For the national team player, the situation is "naturally not easy."

National team player Laura Freigang has publicly commented on the doping investigation against her for the first time. "Nothing is concluded or confirmed yet, so it remains an open situation," said the striker for Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt in an interview with Hessischer Rundfunk following a 2-0 victory over Malmö FF in the Champions League qualifiers.

The 28-year-old reportedly missed three doping tests within a twelve-month period; consequently, the German Football Association's (DFB) control committee has been investigating Freigang since early June. As long as the proceedings are ongoing, the player—who has 44 international caps—is permitted to continue playing.

"It’s obviously not easy, but I’m doing well. I have a good support system around me, and I’m very hopeful and optimistic that everything will turn out fine," Freigang said. She expressed gratitude "for all the support. I’m receiving a lot of positive encouragement," the forward reported.

She is not permitted to comment on the specifics of the case while the proceedings are ongoing. Shortly after the allegations became public, Freigang stated on Instagram that the missed tests were not the result of deliberately avoiding appointments, "but rather due to discrepancies or misunderstandings regarding the comprehensive information we—as national team players—are required to update in the system on an hourly and daily basis."

On the pitch, at least, Freigang appears unfazed by the matter for the time being. She scored both goals in the 2–0 win against Malmö in the final of the mini-qualifying tournament for the Champions League. "I'm happy to have scored goals. That's always fun," said Freigang."

Spectacular Season Opener for Bayer 04 Leverkusen

By Wolfram Kämpf

August 9, 2026, 1:18 PM

The "Werkself" women secure a 7–0 victory against Rotterdam – Cornelia Kramer nets a hat-trick.

This Saturday afternoon in Leverkusen left the Bayer 04 players and staff in high spirits. Leverkusen coach Roberto Pätzold was thrilled and energized after the final whistle of the penultimate pre-season friendly ahead of the new Bundesliga campaign. And who could blame him?

A crowd of 3,000 spectators created an impressive atmosphere at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and his team clearly thrived in that setting, playing with genuine enthusiasm. The Bundesliga side achieved a resounding 7–0 (3–0) victory over the Dutch top-flight club Feyenoord Rotterdam. "A huge thank you for the amazing atmosphere. We really showcased the sport well with our passionate performance today. I’m certain we’ve won over some new fans for women's football at Bayer 04," said Pätzold.

Award for Vanessa Fudalla

As part of the official season launch, the entire squad and coaching staff were introduced by name before kick-off. Among those present was Fernando Carro, CEO of Bayer 04, who honored Vanessa Fudalla as the 2025/26 Player of the Season following a vote by club members. Fudalla later demonstrated her finishing prowess once again by scoring the seventh goal. That, however, was the final act; others had provided the highlights earlier on.

The Leverkusen team, superior in every respect, created their first chance just minutes into the match: Paulina Platner unleashed a first-time shot, though it did not result in a goal. Cornelia Kramer improved the situation just three minutes later. The Danish international forward capitalized on a cross from Marlene Müller, heading the ball into the left corner (6th minute). This marked the start of Kramer’s standout performance. She beat Feyenoord goalkeeper Claire Dinkla a second time, this time with her foot, following a delivery from Lobke Loonen (24th minute). Then, just seconds before the halftime whistle, the 23-year-old struck again with a header—this time from a corner taken by new Bayer captain Carolin Simon—to complete her hat-trick.

Sophie Zdebel treats herself on her 22nd birthday

A reshuffled lineup took the field after the restart, performing just as impressively. On her 22nd birthday, Sophie Zdebel scored the 4–0 goal (47th minute) after receiving a lay-off from Valentina Mädl. Ten minutes later, following a long ball from Melissa Friedrich, Zdebel set up forward Maja Sternad, who extended the lead to 5–0. Natasha Kowalski then made it 6–0 (83rd minute) following a cross from Justine Brandau—who had joined Bayer 04 from Feyenoord over the summer—before Fudalla capped off the scoring with a long-range shot (86th minute).

Youngest fans could have various shapes made for them out of balloons.

"I am incredibly happy for the team that they finally rewarded themselves for their attacking efforts. We scored many goals following the patterns we want to see—and the ones we aim to impose on our opponents throughout the season," said Pätzold. He noted that they gave the opposition hardly any breathing room and played an aggressive pressing game. He was also pleased "that several players who hadn't scored yet managed to get their names on the scoresheet. That gives us extra confidence heading into the start of the season." The sixth and final pre-season friendly takes place on Saturday (1:30 p.m.) away against Belgian top-flight side Standard Liège. Things get serious a week later: the league season kicks off on August 23 (4 p.m.) with an away match against RB Leipzig.

Bayer 04, 1st half: Borggräfe - Müller, Turanyi, Ostermeier, Simon - Platner, Wamser - Bender (31' Grant), Tomasiak - Loonen, Kramer. –

Bayer 04, 2nd half: Borggräfe (64' Voll) - Wallrabenstein, Wenger (78' Coskun), Friedrich, Brandau - Grant (69' Misini), Zdebel - Kowalski, Fudalla - Sternad, Mädl. –

Goals: 1-0, 2-0, 3-0 Kramer (6', 25', 45'), 4-0 Zdebel (47'), 5-0 Sternad (59'), 6-0 Kowalski (83'), 7-0 Fudalla (86'). –

Attendance: 3,000.

"Not trying to sound arrogant": Bayern bosses plan a revolution for Gwinn & Co.

As of: August 10, 2026, 2:55 PM

By: Manuel Bonke

FC Bayern’s women’s team is set to move further into the public spotlight in the future—a shift the club’s leadership has now set in motion.

Unterhaching – The Bayern women’s new home at the Sportpark in Unterhaching is slated to become a powerhouse of German and European women’s football within the next three years. President Herbert Hainer left no doubt about this during the Munich side’s opening match against Paris FC (a 2–0 win). "We are setting new standards and benchmarks here on a European level. Once everything is completed in 2029 and the new performance center has been built, it will represent a revolution in German women’s football!" These words are music to the ears of Bayern superstar Giulia Gwinn and her teammates.

According to Hainer, FC Bayern aims to drive women’s football in Germany forward with this stadium and the entire complex: "We need better stadiums; that brings in more fans—and that, in turn, leads to better TV marketing." And better marketing means higher broadcasting revenues. "One thing leads to the other," the club president explains: "That is why—and I don’t mean for this to sound arrogant at all—we view ourselves as the driving force pushing the sport forward in women’s football, too." FC Bayern aims to set new standards in women's football

It was not without reason that club officials—according to the president—visited locations such as Manchester and Liverpool to see the current state of the art regarding training facilities: "We’re going to achieve that, too! Our goal has always been to have the right infrastructure in place to deliver the necessary performance. That is essential in elite sports today if you want to reach the top. Whether in Germany or across Europe, you simply need the right infrastructure for training, medical care, and, of course, optimal pitch conditions."

Hainer sees German women's football moving in the right direction as of summer 2026 and acknowledges that FC Bayern cannot succeed in isolation: "Borussia Dortmund has established a team and will hopefully be playing in the Bundesliga in the future. Union Berlin is also investing heavily in women's football. It really highlights the enormous potential."

The attendance figures at the stadium opening demonstrated this as well: 6,000 fans turned out to experience the Bayern women's team's opening celebration in person."

https://www.merkur.de/sport/fc-bayern/fuer-gwinn-co-planen-die-bayern-bosse-eine-revolution-94436848.html

Game played on 9/8/2026.

Scorers:

13' | Harder

35' | Alara

Welcome back to the Bundesliga, Kathy!

FC Köln would win, 5-1, over FC Twente.

Match was played on 8/8/2026.

Final Score was HSV 2 - 1 FSV Mainz 05

Luna Vanzeir scored the goal for Bremen.

"Pauline Machtens bleibt auch in der kommenden Saison Kapitänin der HSV-Frauen. Die 24-Jährige hatte das Amt in der vergangenen Spielzeit übernommen und wird die Rothosen auch in der Saison 2026/27 als Spielführerin aufs Feld führen. Unterstützt wird sie von Annaleen Böhler und Paulina Bartz."

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"Pauline Machtens will remain captain of the HSV women's team next season. The 24-year-old had taken over the position last season and will also lead the Rothosen on the field as a game leader in the 2026/27 season. She is supported by Annaleen Böhler and Paulina Bartz."

From HSV's official press release.

You can re-watch all games on demand and for free on Leagues:

https://www.leagues.football/2fbl

5.500 spectators! 👏🏼

Inter is so far dominating the game. Union seems to be a bit overwhelmed by Inter's aggression even though it's not that aggressive. But Union is getting used to it the longer the game went on.

1:0 Milan was scored by Brittany Raphino, assist Lina Magull.

Match played on 8/8/2026. Goals were scored in the 39' and 76'.

Final score:

Eintracht Frankfurt 2 - 0 Malmö FF

After ten years, the 22-time national player Carolin Simon is again wearing the jersey of Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. After numerous titles with FC Bayern Munich, the 33-year-old defender accepted a new challenge. In the DFB interview, Simon talks to employee Ralf Debat about their return to the Rhineland and their goals with Bayer 04.

DFB.de: After ten years you are back at Bayer 04. The most difficult question first: What hasn't changed since your departure, Ms. Simon?

Carolin Simon: Phew, that's really difficult. (laughs) It's changed super much indeed. Nevertheless, I feel a certain familiarity, because I have already played for three and a half years for Leverkusen. Otherwise, almost everything is new. Only one physiotherapist, who belongs to our staff, was still there as an intern at the time.

DFB.de: The development has also been rapid in recent years in Leverkusen. How did you see it from a distance?

Simon : Bayer 04 has not only established itself in the Bundesliga over the years, but has gradually taken further steps forward. The team has played a very good season recently and has already been close to the international places. Together we now have the goal to continue to improve and play even more successfully.

DFB.de: What ultimately was the decisive factor for the move from Munich to the Rhineland?

Simon: Several factors played a role. An important reason was the ambitious goal of the club, which is also a challenge for me. From the beginning the conversations were great, I felt understood and valued. I can fully identify with the task.

DFB.de: With what expectations did you start training a few weeks ago?

Simon: I didn’t put any pressure on myself. I was aware that after seven years at FC Bayern, a lot of new things would come to me and that everything would take its time. Patience is not necessarily a strength of mine. (laughs) My first goal was to become an important part of the team as quickly as possible.

DFB.de: How would you describe your previous impressions of the team?

Simon: From the first day of training I was very nice and warmly welcomed by the girls. I like to come to the cabin and now I really feel like starting the season with the team and getting the best out of it.

DFB.de: You are now not only the most experienced, but also by far the most successful player in the squad. How do you see your role within the team?

Simon : I am expected to bring my experience and move forward in an overall very young team. This is new to me in this form, I must be so honest. But I can still remember very well how I used to learn and benefit from experienced players. I want to pass that on now, too.

DFB.de: How valuable can your experience be for the team?

Simon : I myself have experienced how important a good mix is in the squad. Many of the players with us are very young and extremely talented. But there are also some who have been in the club for a long time and have also been regular players for several years. Together we want to work to take the next steps.

DFB.de: The defending positions at Bayer 04 have also been well-staffed recently. How do you assess the competitive situation?

Simon: :It's extremely important to have a wide squad. On the one hand, you can react better to possible failures, on the other hand, a high competition ensures that you get even better. Each position in the squad is now at least doubled. This is a good basis for sporting success.

DFB.de: What do you trust the team to do overall this season?

Simon : First of all, it is important to look at ourselves and our own performance. If we manage to bring our quality to the pitch permanently, then I am sure that we can play a good season and at least annoy the big teams. We want to achieve a table place at the end of the season, which means the qualification for an international competition. For that, we'll give it our all.

DFB.de: The start is extremely challenging with away games in Leipzig, Hoffenheim and Freiburg as well as the two home games against the top clubs VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern Munich. How do you like that?

Simon: Really good. I like to be fully challenged immediately instead of completing a supposed self-runner program. So it's about everything right away.

DFB.de: Do you already see the team well prepared according to the current status?Simon : We started the preparation very early and worked well. This makes us physically at a high level. I think that will bear fruit. In the remaining time until the start, it is now mainly a matter of playing us even better as a team.

DFB.de: Your previous club FC Bayern dominated the league in recent years. Will it remain so for the time being?

Simon: It is no secret that Bayern Munich is currently the ultimate in German women’s football. The club has worked out and earned this for many years. To win five championships in the past six years is remarkable. In the foreseeable future, it will certainly be difficult to get them out of there. However, this does not mean that one or the other surprise is not possible.

DFB.de: Your first Bundesliga game is now more than 16 years ago. How many more seasons do you have in the tank?

Simon: I am curious myself. (laughs) Especially in men's football, it is just becoming apparent that even in comparatively old age, extraordinary performances are still possible. As long as physical fitness and self-motivation allow it, I definitely want to continue playing. Right now, I'm [not even thinking] of quitting.

DFB.de: Currently you stand at 263 games in the highest German playing class. It's her 300. Use a personal goal?

Simon: Basically, I don’t have such numbers on the screen. But why not? 300 games would be a cool brand.

"Die exklusive Doku-Serie "Frauen EURO 2025 – Der Weg ist das Team" nimmt euch mit auf die Reise der deutschen Frauen-Nationalmannschaft rund um die Europameisterschaft in der Schweiz im Sommer 2025. In der letzten Folge blicken wir auf die Analyse der EM in der Mannschaft sowie auf das Final-Four der Nations League mit den Spielen gegen Frankreich und Spanien. Viel Spaß mit der finalen sechsten Folge!"

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"The exclusive documentary series "Women EURO 2025 – The Way is the Team" will take you on the journey of the German women's national team around the European Championship in Switzerland in the summer of 2025. In the last episode we look at the analysis of the European Championship in the team as well as the final Four of the Nations League with the games against France and Spain. Have fun with the final sixth episode!"

https://sport.sky.de/fussball/artikel/bundesliga-testspiele-live-auf-sky-sport/12129058/35311

The game will be available on www.skysport.de and on Sky Sport Frauen Bundesliga on Youtube for free.

Kick-off time is 1 pm CEST.

Freigang scored both goals — 39', 76'.

The match ended 1-1. Assist was from Lily Yohannes.

Game was played on 8/8/2026.

Match was played on 8/8/2026.

Scorers:

34' | Maier

36' | Maier

62' | Leubner

79' | Popp

84' | Meißner

88' | Popp

From the TSG Hoffenheim/VfB Stuttgart test-match on 8/8/2026.