
There is something special in store for the most loyal of loyal Werkself fans at Saturday’s season launch at the BayArena: The 2,500 season card holders, who watched all the competitive games at the BayArena last term, in a for a special surprise. As a thank you, Bayer 04 are giving those fans a personalised ‘loyalty scarf’ available at a stall on the piazza by the West Stand (next to the police station). CEO Michael Schade, right back Danny da Costa and fan liaison officer Rüdiger Vollborn will call in there at 13.45 CET on Saturday afternoon to join Bayer 04 staff in handing out scarves to the most loyal fans.
“We have identified the 2,500 or so fans who we want to give this gift to reward their loyalty,” explained Meinolf Sprink, fan and community director at Bayer 04. Those Werkself season ticket holders, who were at all of the home games at the BayArena last term but are unable to be at the stadium on Saturday due to holidays or other reasons, will be able to collect their loyalty scarf at the first Bundesliga home game against Hamburg SV on 10 September.
Lots of highlights and attractions
In addition to the sporting highlight of the friendly against Real Sociedad (14.30 CET), the mega autograph session (17.00 CET) or interviews with Michael Schade and Rudi Völler (at half-time in the Sociedad game) or Roger Schmidt (16.20 CET) plus the numerous fun activities on the concourse, there is another good reason to get to the BayArena on Saturday from 12.30 CET: The new Benedictine beer garden will be opened in the north west area of the stadium by E block.
New beer garden worth a visit
In future, the beer garden will be open on home matchdays two hours before kick-off providing fans with a special range of food and drinks. In addition to tasty specialities such as Fleischkäse meatloaf or spit roasts there will refreshing wheat beers on offer from Bayer 04 partner Bitburger. Around 200 seats will be available for people to meet up to discuss the game. And not only before matches but also at half-time and up to two hours after the final whistle. A DJ will also be on hand to spin the discs in the beer and fulfil requests from music lovers where possible.


Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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