18.05.2021Bayer 04

25 years ago today: The Werkself on the brink

Rudi Völler has no doubts about it today: "Bayer 04 were on the brink like never before or since." 18 May 1996 brought the relegation showdown in Leverkusen. FC Kaiserslautern had to win to stay up; the Werkself only needed a draw. It was a thrilling finale on Bismarckstraße. With a hero that hardly anybody expected: Markus Münch not only scored the leveller at 1-1 to save the faltering club but that strike also marked the starting point for the most successful period in the club's history to date. We look back after 25 years.

1996-05-18_058_Rudi_Voeller_Brehme_FCK_bei_Premiere.jpg

Ramelow and Fach Interview

The one arrived from Hertha Berlin as a talented 21-year-old, the other was one of the most experienced players under the Bayer Cross at the age of nearly 33. How was the 1995/96 season for Carsten Ramelow and Holger Fach? 04 questions to two players who stood their ground for 90 minutes in the crucial clash with Kaiserslautern. HERE is the interview.

Drama in thre acts

A stage director could hardly have come up with a better show. This season for Bayer 04 had everything that makes a classic drama. Strong characters, a suspense curve with a dramatic fall for the hero, conflicts, self deceit, the unstoppable navigation towards the catastrophe and finally catharsis, salvation, the thrilling final against FC Kaiserslautern. In this detailed article we divide the 1995/96 season into three acts. Read on HERE.

Further information on the 1995/96 season plus the relegation final against FC Kaiserslautern to follow.

Related News

Bayer 04 - 06.05.2026

Information on matchday and season ticket prices 2026/27 - Introduction of minimum season ticket use

Bayer 04 are introducing changes to the ticket price structure for the 2026/27 season. In addition to adjusting the ticket prices, the ticket categories will also be reorganised. All season ticket holders have already been informed of the changes by e-mail. The most important information at a glance.

A New Chapter | Ibo Maza: Familie und Religion sind sein größter Anker

Werkself-TV - 05.05.2026

A new chapter | Ibrahim Maza: Family and religion provide greatest support

Ibrahim Maza joined Bayer 04 from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025. The youngster from Berlin developed into a difference-maker in his first season with the Werkself. Find out what makes the highly talented player tick in this very personal interview. Among other things, Maza talks about his Algerian-Vietnamese-German home, the role of his family and the importance of Islam for him both in his private life and in football...

Bayer 04 - 04.05.2026

Vote now for Ibrahim Maza to be Bundesliga Rookie of the Season!

Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among the three nominees for the Bundesliga’s 2025/26 Rookie of the Season award. Fans have until 23:59 CEST on Thursday, 7 May to cast their votes in the official Bundesliga app.

Rekord: Frauen feiern 14. Saisonsieg in Essen | 24. Spieltag

Werkself-TV - 03.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 4-0 win at SGS Essen

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 4-0 win at SGS Essen on the 24th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.