The Werkself will play Hapoel Beer Sheva and Nice for the first time. The only previous meeting with Slavia Prague was in 1992/93 in the group stage of the Intertoto Cup – Bayer 04 won the first leg 3-1 and the second leg ended in a 0-0 draw.
Simon Rolfes: "With Slavia Prague and Nice we’re up against two established European clubs. Opponents we have to take seriously – Slavia are the Czech champions, Nice are a top team from the country of the World Cup winners. On top of that, there's the cup winners from Israel whose qualification for the group stage is perhaps a bit of a surprise. It's clear we have the ambition to go through."
Matchday 1: 22 October 2020
Matchday 2: 29 October 2020
Matchday 3: 5 November 2020
Matchday 4: 26 November 2020
Matchday 5: 3 December 2020
Matchday 6: 10 December 2020
The UEFA Executive Committee decided on Thursday, 1 October to allow a limited number of spectators to attend Europa League matches. At the same time, UEFA referred to the national and regional regulations on staging games during the coronavirus pandemic. Against that background, Bayer 04 are assuming that the capacity of 20 per cent for Bundesliga games will apply to the first home game in October; obviously under the hygiene and organisational concept applied to the Leipzig fixture and the seven-day infection rate in Leverkusen being below 35. The procedure for allocating match tickets will be the same: A ballot will be held amongst season ticket holders with the BundesligaPlus model who have taken out the ‘Draw’ option.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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