Back
4.05.2020Bayer 04

32 years ago: 3-0 defeat at Espanyol

Bayer 04 fans are very happy to recall winning the UEFA Cup in 1988. Memories of the first leg are anythung but positive. The Werkself were away at Espanyol on 4 May 1988. The team led by head coach Erich Ribbeck went into the first match of the final in confident mood after 14 games unbeaten on the European stage – but the journey home was a quiet affair after a clear and extremely disappointing 3-0 defeat at the Estadio de Sarrià.

Following victory in the semi-final against Werder Bremen, the future champions of Germany, there was much confidence at Bayer 04 both amongst the fans as wellas the players and coaches. Espanyol were impressive en route to the final, knocking out Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Brugge as well as the two Italian heavyweights AC and Inter Milan.

It was looking good in Barcelona for much of the game. The Black and Reds appeared to be in control of the game much to the joy of the 2,000 travelling fans but there was no penetration to the opposition goal. Considering that Thomas Hörster and Christian Schreier were injured and Erich Seckler was suspended and Bum-kun Cha went off injured after 18 minutes, it was all going well for Leverkusen...

Vollborn, Ribbeck And Co. iN Video

The remaining course of the final first leg is available in the highlights video from Bayer 04 TV. Here, the former Werkself players Rüdiger Vollborn, Falko Götz, Wolfgang Rolff and head coach Erich Ribbeck recall the clash.

A detailed article on the 30th anniversary from 2018 is available HERE.

Match stats:

Espanyol: N'Kono – Gallart – Job, Miguel Angel – Orejuela (Golobart 66’), Inaki, Urkiaga, Soler – Valverde, Pichi Alonso (Lauridsen 69’), Losada

Bayer 04: Vollborn – Rolff – De Keyser, A. Reinhardt, Hinterberger – Cha (Götz 18’), Tita, Buncol, Falkenmayer (K. Reinhardt 75’) – Waas, Täuber

Goals: 1-0 Losada (44’), 2-0 Soler (49’), 3-0 Losada (57’)

Referee: Krchnak (Czechoslovakia)

Booked: Täuber

​Attendance: 42,000 at the Estadi Sarrià (Barcelona)

 

sky_2004_movie_300x250.jpg

Related News

Jubel der Werkself
Women - 08.08.2026

Goal fest with a hat-trick from Kramer: Women’s team beat Feyenoord 7-0

Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.

Show more
Kurzpässe zur Saisoneröffnung 2026
Bayer 04 - 07.08.2026

Season launch 2026: Special offers and free printing

There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.

Show more
Abschlussfoto im Trainingslager im Weimarer Land
Bayer 04 - 07.08.2026

Day 6 blog: Final session and special farewell | Training camp in the Weimarer Land

A round-up of the Werkself training camp in the Weimarer Land, all in one place: in our daily blog you’ll find all the insights and updates from the day. Day six (Friday 7 August) is as follows: This morning, the squad completed their final training session – this time behind closed doors – here in Blankenhain, before heading back to Leverkusen after lunch. The big season launch is scheduled for tomorrow.

Show more
eSports-Trikot
eSports - 07.08.2026

#B04eSports: The eSports jersey for the 2026/27 season

Kicking off the new season with a fresh look: Bayer 04, in collaboration with sportswear manufacturer New Balance, has unveiled the official kit for Leverkusen’s e-Sports players for the coming season. The jersey is now available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.

Show more