The game between the Whites and Reds proved to be very entertaining. No wonder as former Werkself pros like Zé Roberto, Paulo Sergio, Juan, Ulf Kirsten, Stefan Kießling, Simon Rolfes, Dimitar Berbatov, Falko Götz plus many more showed their ability once again and that helped create a fantastic mood in the stands. In the end, Rudi Völler's team came out on top with a 6-5 win. The other team was managed by Christoph Daum. Patrick Helmes was the top striker in the match with a hat-trick.
"It was a wonderful feeling being able to celebrate this anniversary with the fans," said Christoph Daum after the final whistle in the legends' game. "It feels like coming home." And the Brazilian Paulo Sergio was also full of enthusiasm: "I think it was a wonderful weekend here in Leverkusen. It was such great fun to meet all the old players again. It's always great being here."
The programme of events for the Bayer 04 anniversary was full of highlights.Several hundred fans made their way to the stage in front of the West entrance at eleven in the morning to catch goalkeeping legends Rüdiger Vollborn and René Adler in a harmonious discussion. Straight after that, Petra Dahl, Tobias Ufer, Klaus Schenkmann and legend stadium announcer Günter Maczkowiak came onto the stage to talk about old times.
There were also extended tours of the stadium on offer: Fans could get behind the scenes at the BayArena from midday. In addition to the current Bayer 04 squad, the promotion heroes were also available in the Mixed Zone, on the edge of the pitch, in the away changing room, in the team bus, in the VIP area and many more places to sign autographs, pose for photos or chat to the fans. "I'm very happy. It was a great weekend where you felt how great and alive tradition is at this club," said Fernando Carro, chairman of the board. "I was fascinated to see how much the former Bayer 04 players still have a connection to Leverkusen – it's like a big family."
In the 3-2 defeat at Bundesliga newcomers SV 07 Elversberg, the Werkself found the back of the net in the closing stages and, with a bit of luck, could still have equalised. “Today, our play wasn’t good enough, particularly when it came to the basics,” said head coach Carles Martínez. Like the boss, Ibrahim Maza also wants to learn from the match and look ahead: “Next week, people should be able to see from the very first minute that we want it more than our opponents.” The Werkself review on the Bundesliga opener in 2026/27.
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No points to start the league campaign: Bayer 04 lost 3-2 away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg in the first Bundesliga match of the 2026/27 campaign. Two quick-fire goals from Lukas Petkov (8’) and Cole Campbell (10’) gave the hosts an early lead, before David Mokwa scored the Saarland side’s third shortly after half-time (46’). In the closing stages, the Werkself rallied and staged a late comeback with goals from Patrik Schick (77’) and Christian Kofane (90+1’), but the Black and Reds were denied an equaliser.
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The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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Following their successful start away to RB Leipzig, the Bayer 04 women’s team are set to play their first home match of the new Bundesliga season on Sunday. The Werkself host VfL Wolfsburg at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 16:00 CEST. Coach Roberto Pätzold is hoping for a courageous performance against the seven-time German champions.
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