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.

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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.

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Our next opponents: The Gunners can make history

There is no question Arsenal are one of the top favourites to win the UEFA Champions League. Spanish coach Mikel Arteta's team won all of their matches in the league phase of the competition. On Wednesday night, 11 March (kick-off: 18:45 CET), the Gunners, who also lead the Premier League, will play the first leg in the UCL Round of 16 at the BayArena. Two former Leverkusen players are particularly looking forward to the clash at their old stomping ground. The lowdown on our next opponents.