Just like the Werkself, Wolfsburg came through the first round of the DFB cup last week when they beat Union Fürstenwalde 4-1. But while Charles Aránguiz and Co. were able to fully focus on the clash with the team from Lower Saxony following the 7-0 win against Norderstedt, VfL faced a trip to Albania. The Green and Whites had a Europa League qualifier at FK Kukesi on Thursday night but they gave the hosts no chance as they clocked up a convincing 4-0 victory.
Peter Bosz had an eagle eye on the match involving our next opponents. "It was interesting. It's always good to be able to see an opponent beforehand. But I think we can expect a different game on Sunday – we will be stronger opponents," said the Dutchman who still believes his Werkself team are at the build-up stage. Bosz added: "We trained well this week. We're not yet up to 100 per cent but we've made a good start and are getting fitter and fitter."
Following his precautionary self-isolation in Jamaica, winger Leon Bailey flew back to Germany on Friday and has already been tested. There will be a second test on Saturday. "If everything is normal then he will train with us on Monday," Bosz explained. "The most important thing will be to have the chance to talk to him – that should happen on Monday. Then we’ll be able to put together a plan for him so that he can return to action as soon as possible."
According to the 56-year-old, new signing Patrik Schick is ready to start. The Czech Republic striker is still not 100 per cent fit. But: "Whether or not he can play from the start on Sunday? Yes, he can," declared the head coach.
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The match officials will be appointed on the day of the game
Attendance: 500
Newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg will begin the 2026/27 season as Bundesliga club number 59. The Saarland club start their first Bundesliga campaign at home to the Werkself on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST) at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, which is currently being rebuilt. For one Leverkusen player in the ‘Elv’ line-up, the clash will be a special reunion. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The fixture details for the Bayer 04 Women’s first match in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been confirmed: As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday morning, the Leverkusen Women will face second-tier side FC Viktoria Berlin in the first round on Sunday 27 September at 14:00 CEST.
Show more
Once again, well over 100 Werkself fans were delighted to receive an invitation from the club’s record appearance-maker, Rüdiger Vollborn, to the sold-out Schwadbud at the BayArena. This time, the supporters listened as the club historian provided fascinating, exclusive insights into the period from Bayer 04 being founded in 1904 to the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 1979. A journey through time is also planned for the upcoming ‘Rudi lädt ein’ event in early November – this time focusing on the years of the Nazi regime.
Show more
Getting in the mood for the new season together, exchanging ideas and looking ahead to the coming months: Bayer 04 welcomed partners to the BayArena for the annual sponsors season-launch event. In a relaxed atmosphere, the management, head coach and players came together with representatives from partner companies to celebrate the start of the 2026/27 season.
Show more
