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

Business - 23.09.2026

Upgrade at Bayer 04: KKV Kabelverlegung joins Sponsors’ Club as new partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.

Business - 23.09.2026

Bayer 04 expand business partnership with EDO Personalservice

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.

Bayer 04 - 23.09.2026

Vote for Miguel Gutiérrez as ‘Player of the Month’ for September

Video games developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga ‘Player of the Month’ award for September – Bayer 04’s Miguel Gutiérrez has made it into this select group after just four Bundesliga matches. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 27 September (23:59 CEST).

Fans - 23.09.2026

Available now: Signed Werkself jerseys

Calling Bayer 04 fans: The 2026/27 campaign will really pick up pace after the international break – and if you want to get your hands on a very special Black and Red souvenir in time, now is your chance. Jerseys signed by Werkself players such as Patrik Schick and Edmond Tapsoba are now available via the web shop. It’s worth being quick, as the offer is valid only whilst stocks last.