
The Werkself are away to Lokomotive Leipzig on Saturday, 7 August, with the kick off at 15.30 CEST. The venue is the prestigious Bruno Plache Stadium, home ground to the North-east Regional League side and winners of the Saxony Cup. The first round tie with Bayer 04 will be broadcast live on the pay-TV channel Sky.
Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 sporting director, said after the draw: "An interesting draw as we are up against a club with a great football past. Our aim is clearly to go through to the second round. At the same time, we are obviously hoping for a game with real cup character where the fans of both teams can finally provide an atmosphere again. That's what makes DFB Cup games special. We're looking forward to Leipzig."

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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