The Black and Reds, currently fifth in the Bundesliga, face a team in East Berlin with an outstanding record at home: Union have won four of their last five home games at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium, all without conceding. “They are a different opponent compared with Dortmund. They have their own strengths, particularly in defence,” said Bosz about the next opposition.
The fact Union Berlin are also the opponents in the DFB Cup quarter-finals in three weeks is not relevant at the moment according to the Dutchman. The 56-year-old said: “I only look at the next game and we have to fully focus on that. And who knows who will be playing for either side in the cup tie.”
The Bundesliga away game in the capital marks the start of a busy period of fixtures over the next three weeks. “We won’t have much time to recover,” said Bosz. The head coach was happy to see recent absentees Kerem Demirbay (suspended), Julian Baumgartlinger, Exequiel Palacios and Charles Aránguiz (all injured) return to full training this week.
It is looking good for the Chilean after his long injury lay-off but it remains to be seen if he will play. “Charly said he didn’t have any problems yesterday. But he hasn’t played since the start of January so we’ll have to wait and see what happens in today’s session. I’ll make my decision after that,” Bosz explained. “Perhaps all four will be available for selection.”
With a win against Union Berlin, Bayer 04 playmaker Kai Havertz can clock up his 50th Bundesliga victory – and all that at just 20 years of age. At the pre-match press conference, the head coach praised the development of the Germany international since the start of the second half of the season. “We’ve all seen that the Kai of last season is back. Against Dortmund, you could see he is very important to the team,” said the Dutchman who was also able to welcome back Paulinho yesterday.
The Brazilian was in Colombia where he helped the Selecao U23 team qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Bosz finished by saying: “That means all players are available as of now. That is very important in view of the run of fixtures coming up.”
Match information:
Referee: Harm Osmers (Hannover)
Broadcaster: Sky (TV) and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Attendance: 21,717 (sold out), including 2,500 Bayer 04 fans
Bayer 04 can go through to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the ninth time tonight, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET) and be in the top 16 clubs in Europe. A good omen: Leverkusen have progressed to the next round after winning the first leg in 20 of their 22 knockout rounds in European competitions to date. For their part, Greek record champions Olympiacos rested several players for last weekend’s league fixture ahead of the play-off second leg at the BayArena and will now do everything in their power to turn the tide with their usual aggressive and high pressing. The discussions on Werkself radio are likely to be just as intense as the battle on the pitch, with commentator Florian Bechholz welcoming honorary captain Stefan Kießling and goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
With the advantage of the 2-0 first-leg win in the play-offs, the Werkself are looking to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the sold-out BayArena. Ahead of the home game against Olympiacos on Tuesday, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Janis Blaswich spoke about the position ahead of the match, the visitors' strength at set-pieces and a personnel issue for the home side.
Show more
With a win in the Greek Super League last weekend, Olympiacos achieved success on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg at Bayer 04 on Tuesday, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Coach José Luis Mendilibar rested many of his regular starters.
Show more
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim on the 19th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
Show more
