The Werkself are today aiming to qualify for a European semi-final for the first time since 2001/02. A note in the margins: Bayer 04 have won all of the last three second leg games on the road in the knockout stages of the Europa League - that includes the two second leg matches against AS Monaco (play-offs) and Ferencvaros (Round of 16) in the current campaign.
At the same time, the Werkself have not won any of the last three European away games (1 draw, 2 defeats). That also includes the 1-0 defeat to Club Brugge in this season’s Champions League group stage. The only away victory for Bayer 04 in Belgium was in the Champions League in November 1997 with a 2-0 win at Lierse SK.
For anyone unable to be at the game: RTL is showing the game live on Free TV with the broadcast starting at 20.15 CEST. As ever, Werkself Radio is also available. The audio broadcast starts 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick and Niko Hartmann. The live text update service will also ensure that you can keep up to speed with the game. Both Werkself Radio and the live text updates can be found at bayer04.de as well as on the Bayer 04 app – tune in.
UEFA has appointed Antonio Mateu Lahoz as the match referee. For the 46-year-old Spaniard, who has been in charge of three Champions League games this season, this is the third match involving the Werkself. He will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Pau Cebrian Devis and Roberto del Palomar with Ricardo de Burgos - also from Spain - in action as the VAR official.
Union Saint-Gilloise maintained their challenge for top spot in the Jupiler Pro League at the weekend with a 2-1 win against bottom-of-the-table RFC Seraing who are already relegated. However, the team in second place will need the help of RSC Charleroi in the final full matchday in the league on Sunday. Further information on the forthcoming opponents can be found in the lowdown on the next opponents.
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
Show more
Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
Show more
After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
Show more
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
Show more
Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
Show more
