
The Bayer 04 v Lotte tie is a repeat of last season's first-round meeting that the Werkself won 3-0 thanks to goals from Kießling, Calhanoglu and Bender.
In this season's first round Bayer 04 won 2-1 at fifth tier SC Hauenstein. Lotte produced a sensational upset in their opening tie against Bundesliga side Werder Bremen. The team, including former Bayer 04 keeper Benedikt Fernandez, were champions of the Regional League West and thereby achieved promotion to division three. Currently they are ninth in the table with five points from four games.
The second round ties will be played on 25 and 26 October. 16 Bundesliga clubs are still in the competition with only RB Leipzig (6-5 defeat on penalties against Dynamo Dresden) and Werder Bremen (21 defeat away to Sportfreunde Lotte) going out in first round. 13 teams from the second division are in the second round plus the two third division outfits Sportfreunde Lotte and Hallescher FC, and Regional League side FC Astoria Walldorf.


Arsenal, one of the favourites in the UCL, visit the BayArena for the first leg in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16. Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie, two long-serving Bayer 04 players, are set to return to the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club. As part of the match against the Gunners, fans can look forward to exciting Sound of Dreams festival activities at the stadium. Club members can also secure another SoD Unplugged ticket for a chance to win a special prize. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
A Champions League showdown at the BayArena awaits. On Wednesday night, 11 March (kick-off: 18:45 CET), the Werkself face Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Ahead of the clash with the Premier League leaders, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the Gunners' exceptional strength at set-pieces, a returning striker and "believing in yourself". Forward Christian Kofane also spoke about the approach to the Round of 16 tie and congratulated his personal idol - whose previous success also motivates him for forthcoming challenges.
Show more
There is no question Arsenal are one of the top favourites to win the UEFA Champions League. Spanish coach Mikel Arteta's team won all of their matches in the league phase of the competition. On Wednesday night, 11 March (kick-off: 18:45 CET), the Gunners, who also lead the Premier League, will play the first leg in the UCL Round of 16 at the BayArena. Two former Leverkusen players are particularly looking forward to the clash at their old stomping ground. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The Werkself welcome FC Augsburg to the BayArena on Bundesliga matchday 30 in the 2025/26 season. The match on Saturday, 18 April kicks off at 15:30 CEST. Bayer 04 have organised a family matchday with exclusive offers for parents and children. Information on ticket sales.
Show more