One player, above all, would like to change that: Leon Bailey. At the start of February last year in the second half of the 2018/19 season, the Jamaican cancelled out the goal scored by Leon Goretzka. Bailey scored directly from a free kick (53’).The Peter Bosz team won the game 3-1 thanks to goals in the second half from Kevin Volland (63’) and Lucas Alario (89’).
The next match between the Black and Reds and FC Bayern was at the end of November. The Werkself travelled to the Bavarian capital on the back of a four-game unbeaten run. Bailey scored the opening goal after just ten minutes in a high-quality encounter. Thomas Müller equalised after the half-hour mark (34’) but the 22-year-old replied just one minute later to net the winner at 2-1. That was the fourth goal for the Jamaican in a competitive match against the record champions.
There is definitely room for improvement in the overall record of the Werkself against FC Bayern. Before the two above-mentioned clashes, the Black and Reds had only won 17 out of 87 games. Those previous meetings have included one or two great moments.
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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