Following the 1-1 draw in Thursday's semi-final first leg against Chelsea, Frankfurt have every chance of going through to the Europa League final. Eintracht have enjoyed some magical nights in the competition so far beating top European sides Olympic Marseille, Lazio, Inter Milan and, most recently, Benfica. In the midst of this European euphoria, Frankfurt have recently failed to achieve positive results in the league. After an outstanding start to the second half of the season with six wins on the bounce, Eintracht have only picked up two points from the last three games in the league. Nevertheless, Frankfurt are still in pole position to qualify for the Champions League next season for the first time in the club's history. The lead over rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen is currently three points and the Frankfurt club also have a better goal difference than the two teams from the Rhine. But Sunday’s game could still be very significant in determining the outcome of this season's league campaign – including for Bayer 04.
The, at times, thrilling attacking football shown by Frankfurt this season is mainly associated with three players who form a physical and technically impressive offensive trio: Luka Jovic, Ante Rebic and Sebastien Haller. While Rebic missed the first leg against Chelsea due to suspension and is therefore well rested for the game against Bayer 04, Frankfurt have worries about central striker Haller. The Frenchman has been sidelined since the start of April with a stomach muscle injury that may require an operation, and that would mean an early end to his season. To avoid that, Haller has even visited a specialist in Austria. That makes it clear: It is not easy for Frankfurt to replace the striker. Equally important for the intensive game under coach Adi Hütter are the two wingers Filip Kostic (pictured above on the left next to Luka Jovic) and Danny da Costa, who started his career at Bayer 04. Both players are responsible for the whole of their flanks and their dynamism and running ability are key elements in the success of Eintracht this season.
There is a huge question over Haller playing against the Werkself and his power up front has clearly been missing recently. Midfielder Mijat Gacinovic is also sidelined with a muscle problem. In addition to these issues for the squad there is also a lack of vitality due to the large number competitive matches and that has affected Eintracht's recent performances. After Europa League battles that cost nerves and power, Frankfurt have rarely played with freedom in the past few weeks unlike much of the Bundesliga season before that. Players like Rebic, Kostic and da Costa have played in nearly every game and have recently suffered due to a lack of energy. At least the one-match ban for Rebic gives him the chance to rest ahead of the game against Bayer 04.
First, lifting the DFB Cup, now the Europa League semi-finals at least and, under certain circumstances, the first ever qualification for the Champions League next season. There could hardly be more excitement in Frankfurt. The euphoria of the fans has spilled over onto the pitch and the supporters have been a big plus for the team. With this European run and the associated confidence levels, Frankfurt are currently able to win every game – and achieve a lot in the future: Players like Jovic, Rebic and Haller are sought-after and that could bring a lot of money into the club. Eintracht Frankfurt have the potential to be able to compete for European competitions over the long term.
Where Eintracht will end up this season depends to a large extent on the result against the Werkself. If Frankfurt secure an away win then they have every chance of qualifying for the Champions League otherwise it could be a tough battle for the team from Hessen. Mainz, who are already safe, visit the Commerzbank Arena next week but Frankfurt are away to Bayern Munich on the last day of the season with FCB still possibly involved in the title race. Frankfurt would like to have fourth place secured before the last matchday. Therefore, they have to get a positive result on Sunday.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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