Back
10.12.2021Europa League

UEFA Europa League: The next steps for the Werkself

Bayer 04 secured top spot in Group G ahead of the final Europa League group match away to Ferencváros. That means the Werkself go straight through to the Round of 16 and avoid the second group stage. We explain the next steps for the team under head coach Gerardo Seoane and look forward to possible opponents in the last 16.
20211103_JS_Stadion_1227.jpg

What is the current situation?

The group stage of the Europa League is over. Bayer 04 and the other seven top teams are through to the Round of 16 and thereby avoid the Round of 32. The first leg of the Round of 16 will be played on Thursday, 10 March 2022. The second leg matches will be played a week later.

What happens up to the Round of 16?

The second group stage will be played – without Bayer 04. The second-placed teams in the Europa League will face the third-placed teams in the Champions League groups on 17 and 24 February. The winners of those matches go through to the Round of 16 where they will play the eight group winners from the Europa League (including the Werkself).

Potential Round of 16 opponents?

The draw for the Europa League Round of 16, set to be held on 25 February, excludes two clubs from the same country playing each other. Accordingly, there are the following 14 possible opponents for the Werkself in the Round of 16:

Second-placed teams from the Europa League: Rangers, Real Sociedad, Napoli, Olympiakos, Lazio, Sporting Braga, Real Betis, Dinamo Zagreb.

Third-placed teams from the Champions League: FC Porto, FC Sheriff, Barcelona, Atalanta, FC Sevilla, Zenit St. Petersburg (not possible: Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig).

Europa League dates and fixtures:

  • 13 December 2021: Draw for the second group stage (not involving Bayer 04)
  • 17/24 February 2022: First and second legs of the second group stage (not involving Bayer 04)
  • 25 February 2022: Round of 16 draw
  • 10/17 March 2022: Round of 16 first and second legs
  • 18 March 2022: Quarter-final draw and the route to the final
  • 7/14 April 2022: Quarter-final first and second legs
  • 28 April/5 May 2022: Semi-final first and second legs
  • 18 May 2022: Final in Seville

Related News

Exequiel Palacios im Training
Bayer 04 - 11.08.2026

Ahead of friendlies in England: Palacios and Quansah back in training

Welcome back! On Tuesday morning, 11 August, Jarell Quansah and Exequiel Palacios – the last of the Werkself’s World Cup participants – returned to training. The two medallists and their team-mates are set to play their final two pre-season friendlies in England this week before the start of competitive fixtures.

Show more
Ausweichtrikot 2026/27
Bayer 04 - 11.08.2026

‘Made in Lev’: New Bayer 04 third kit

Bayer 04 have unveiled the new third kit for the 2026/27 season. The design, developed by kit supplier New Balance, combines the city’s colours with symbols that have defined Leverkusen and Bayer 04 for generations.

Show more
Fans im Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion
Women - 10.08.2026

Women: Wolfsburg and Bayern home tickets now on general sale

Tickets for the first two Bayer 04 women’s team home games are now on general sale. A week after their league opener away at RB Leipzig, Roberto Pätzold’s side will face last season’s runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, in the first home fixture on Sunday 30 August (kick-off: 16:00 CEST). Fifteen days later, on Monday night, 14 September (kick-off: 18:00 CEST), the Leverkusen Women host German champions Bayern Munich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for a top-of-the-table league clash. You can now also select specific seats via the online shop. The latest information on match ticket sales.

Show more
Culbreath
Bayer 04 - 09.08.2026

Culbreath to miss the start of the season, Andrich in luck

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Montrell Culbreath for the start of the 2026/27 season. The forward injured his foot injury in yesterday’s preseason friendly against Spanish top-flight side Sevilla (2–1), which rules him out of action for the time being. Culbreath’s diagnosis is not yet complete; further examinations are to follow in the coming days.

Show more
Noah Mbamba
Bayer 04 - 08.08.2026

Bayer 04 extend Noah Mbamba’s contract and loan the Belgian to FC Lorient

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.

Show more