Good record against, and at, Schalke
Bayer 04 have clocked up 30 Bundesliga wins against FC Schalke 04 and have only enjoyed more success against VfB Stuttgart (33). The Werkself have won the last three matches at Schalke. The last time Bayer 04 secured four consecutive away wins against an opponent it was in Sinsheim at TSG Hoffenheim (2012 to 2014).
Almost always one goal per game
Leverkusen have found the back of the net in all of the last seven games against Schalke. It was just one goal in six of those seven matches with the Werkself scoring more once in a 3-2 victory in April 2016. Bayer 04 fought back after being two goals down after 29 minutes with goals from Julian Brandt, Karim Bellarabi and Chicharito securing the win .
'Kies' likes royal blue
Stefan Kießling has scored eight goals against Schalke in the Bundesliga, more than the rest of the Bayer 04 squad put together (Bellarabi three, Volland two, Baumgartlinger and Brandt one each). Kies netted home and away against Schalke last term, with half of his four goals in the season coming against the Royal Blues.
High time on the road
Bayer 04 are one of three teams (in addition to Mainz and Stuttgart) still without a point away from home this term. Heiko Herrlich's team have let in eight of the ten goals conceded on the road. In their three away games the Werkself have allowed the opposition nine clear goalscoring opportunities – compared with just two in the three home games.
Alario in select group
In his debut on Bundesliga matchday six, Lucas Alario scored once and provided one assist. Five players have managed that since detailed records were kept in 2004: Diego, Demba Ba, Juan Arango, Douglas Costa and now Alario.
Unbeaten in twelve
Before losing 3-0 to FC Bayern on matchday five at the Veltins Arena, Schalke were undefeated in twelve home games in succession (six wins, six draws).
Brace for Kevin
Kevin Volland was in good form against HSV scoring twice as he did in the 4-0 home victory over SC Freiburg. This is the first time in his Bundesliga career he scored a brace in two successive home games. Volland has scored four goals in eight days before: In September/October 2015 he bagged two braces for Hoffenheim in successive games (at Augsburg and at home to Stuttgart).
On opposite sides in youth games
Domenico Tedesco and Heiko Herrlich have already faced each other as coaches in 2013/14 and 2014/15 in the South/South-West section of the U17 Bundesliga. Tedesco was a youth coach at VfB Stuttgart and Herrlich in the same role at FC Bayern. 24 goals were scored in the four games – an above-average return for the U17 Bundesliga of six goals per game.
Front row at the Schwadbud
For many Bayer 04 fans, who do not travel with the Werkself, it is an established practice to watch away games in the Schwadbud to get behind the lads in the company of fellow fans. It is possible that it might be busier in the fan pub tonight: It will be the first time a Bayer 04 match has not been on Sky but instead only available on Eurosport Player, which very few homes or bars have access to. So it could well be worth getting there early: The Schwadbud opens its doors one hour before kick-off at 19.30 CET.
Bayer 04 are again strongly represented in this year's Bundesliga Team of the Season from the games manufacturer EA Sports. Five Werkself players have been voted into the top XI for the 2024/25 season, a duo from the Bayer 04 Women's team are in the female Bundesliga TOTS. Bayer 04 were well represented last season with six male players in the top eleven, the most players from one club.
Show moreA few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreIn the long and renowned career of Jupp Heynckes his two years at Leverkusen fill a short chapter. Nevertheless, his work under the Bayer Cross between 2009 and 2011 left its mark. The former world class striker and coach with a worldwide reputation was also very successful here and he led the Werkself to the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga and he made a lasting impression on many people at the club. Jupp Heynckes today celebrates his 80th birthday. Many happy returns from Bayer 04 as we look back at two great years.
Show moreA cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
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