18.05.2021Bayer 04

25 years ago today: The Werkself on the brink

Rudi Völler has no doubts about it today: "Bayer 04 were on the brink like never before or since." 18 May 1996 brought the relegation showdown in Leverkusen. FC Kaiserslautern had to win to stay up; the Werkself only needed a draw. It was a thrilling finale on Bismarckstraße. With a hero that hardly anybody expected: Markus Münch not only scored the leveller at 1-1 to save the faltering club but that strike also marked the starting point for the most successful period in the club's history to date. We look back after 25 years.

1996-05-18_058_Rudi_Voeller_Brehme_FCK_bei_Premiere.jpg

Ramelow and Fach Interview

The one arrived from Hertha Berlin as a talented 21-year-old, the other was one of the most experienced players under the Bayer Cross at the age of nearly 33. How was the 1995/96 season for Carsten Ramelow and Holger Fach? 04 questions to two players who stood their ground for 90 minutes in the crucial clash with Kaiserslautern. HERE is the interview.

Drama in thre acts

A stage director could hardly have come up with a better show. This season for Bayer 04 had everything that makes a classic drama. Strong characters, a suspense curve with a dramatic fall for the hero, conflicts, self deceit, the unstoppable navigation towards the catastrophe and finally catharsis, salvation, the thrilling final against FC Kaiserslautern. In this detailed article we divide the 1995/96 season into three acts. Read on HERE.

Further information on the 1995/96 season plus the relegation final against FC Kaiserslautern to follow.

Related News

Bayer 04 - 04.03.2026

Vote for Tapsoba or Grimaldo as February Player of the Month now!

Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has announced the six nominees for the February 2026 Bundesliga Player of the Month award. Not one, but two Werkself players are on the list in Edmond Tapsoba and Alejandro Grimaldo. Supporters of the Black-and-Reds have from now until midnight on Sunday 8 March to vote!

Bayer 04 - 03.03.2026

Vote now for Quansah as BL ‘Rookie of the Month’ for February

The German Football League (DFL) has announced the three candidates for Bundesliga ‘Rookie of the Month’ for February. Among the candidates is Werkself player Jarell Quansah. Fans of Bayer 04 can vote for their favourite on the Bundesliga app from now until Thursday, 5 March (23:59 CET).

Bayer 04 - 02.03.2026

Following action against black market activities: Season tickets reallocated to fans on waiting list

Bayer 04 have once again significantly stepped up measures against the unauthorised resale of tickets and, as a result, reallocated a certain number of season tickets to fans on the waiting list. In doing so, the club wants to send a clear message: Tickets belong in the hands of those who have purchased these tickets legitimately and obtained them via official Bayer 04 channels and who support the Werkself. At the same time, the tickets should be available at the regular fixed prices.

Bayer 04 - 01.03.2026

Arthur sidelined by ankle injury

Bayer 04 will have to manage without Brazilian player Arthur for the next few weeks. The full-back tore a ligament in his left ankle in yesterday's Bundesliga match against Mainz 05 (1-1).