Back
20.04.2020Bayer 04

32 years ago: Werkself through to UEFA Cup final

20 April 1988 – a really important date for the Werkself. Thanks to a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Werder Bremen, who were confirmed as champions of Germany a few weeks later, Bayer 04 qualified for the UEFA Cup final 32 years ago today.
crop_imago0005346179h.jpg

The Werkself took a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg to Bremen. Whether it was the hotel stay with its added noise ahead of the semi-final second leg or the improvisation with the line-up forced on the then Bayer 04 head coach Erich Ribbeck: The omens for the all-German clash in the European competition could have been better from a black and red perspective.

However, the Werkself kept a clean sheet on the night primarily thanks to an impressive defensive performance – to go through to the final. We bring you the story of the heroic defensive battle of 1988 HERE.

sky_2004_movie_300x250.jpg

Related News

Ibrahim Maza gegen Freiburg
Bundesliga - 04.11.2026

Vote for Ibrahim Maza as Player of the Month for October 2026

Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).

Show more
eSports
eSports - 04.11.2026

#B04eSports: A meagre haul to kick off Showdown Two

On Tuesday night, the Leverkusen e-sports team played the first three of their six group stage matches in the second round of the 2026/27 VBL Club Championship. They were unable to secure more than a draw in either of their matches against FC Augsburg and VfB Stuttgart. The match against Bayern Munich ended in defeat.

Show more
Facundo Medina für Argentinien
Bayer 04 - 04.11.2026

International roundup: Medina and Fernández named in Argentina squad

Once again, several Werkself players are set to represent their respective national teams during the final international break of the calendar year. Here is an overview of the Leverkusen players called up for international duty and the match dates. This will be updated regularly.

Show more
TopTorOktober2026_AndrichDiaby.jpg
Bundesliga - 03.11.2026

Goal of the Month for October 2026: Andrich’s thunderous volley and Diaby’s curler shortlisted

The Bundesliga has announced the nominees for the ‘Top Goal of the Month’ award for October. Fans of the Werkself can now vote for, amongst others, Robert Andrich’s stunning volley from the match against Mainz 05 or Moussa Diaby’s curling shot into the top corner from the same fixture. Voting, exclusively on the Bundesliga app, remains open until Sunday, 8 November (23:59 CET).

Show more