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

Bitburger
Business - 30.03.2026

Harmonious end to an era: Bayer 04 and Bitburger conclude partnership

The final whistle of the current 2025/26 season marks the end of a unique partnership for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After more than three decades of collaboration and highly eventful times, the Bundesliga football club and the private brewery Bitburger are going their separate ways.

Show more
Zweikampf im Training
Women - 29.03.2026

‘Show more dominance’: Women hope for Pokal revenge in Hamburg

Around four months after their bitter exit in the DFB Pokal Round of 16, the Bayer 04 Women are once again away to Hamburger SV. On Monday night (18:00 CEST), the Werkself will not only be looking to pick up important points in the final phase of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga at the Volksparkstadion, but also to make amends for their defeat on penalties.

Show more
crop_Poku_Niederlande_U21.jpg
Bayer 04 - 29.03.2026

International updates: Wins for Kofane and Poku

Eleven Bayer 04 players are in action for their national teams in this final international break in 2025/26. Among others, Patrik Schick is competing with Czechia for a ticket to the World Cup in the summer. The blog on games involving the Werkself...

Show more
Gruppenfoto beim Aktionstag für Frauen und Mädchen mit Handicap gemeinsam mit den Bayer 04-Frauen
Sustainability - 28.03.2026

Inclusion, community and first team autographs: Day of action for women and girls with disabilities

A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.

Show more