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

Bitburger
Business - 30.03.2026

Harmonious end to an era: Bayer 04 and Bitburger conclude partnership

The final whistle of the current 2025/26 season marks the end of a unique partnership for Bayer 04 Leverkusen. After more than three decades of collaboration and highly eventful times, the Bundesliga football club and the private brewery Bitburger are going their separate ways.

Show more
Zweikampf im Training
Women - 29.03.2026

‘Show more dominance’: Women hope for Pokal revenge in Hamburg

Around four months after their bitter exit in the DFB Pokal Round of 16, the Bayer 04 Women are once again away to Hamburger SV. On Monday night (18:00 CEST), the Werkself will not only be looking to pick up important points in the final phase of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga at the Volksparkstadion, but also to make amends for their defeat on penalties.

Show more
crop_imago1075113961.jpg
Bayer 04 - 29.03.2026

International updates: Tillman starts for USA – Maza shines

Eleven Bayer 04 players are in action for their national teams in this final international break in 2025/26. Among others, Patrik Schick is competing with Czechia for a ticket to the World Cup in the summer. The blog on games involving the Werkself...

Show more
Gruppenfoto beim Aktionstag für Frauen und Mädchen mit Handicap gemeinsam mit den Bayer 04-Frauen
Sustainability - 28.03.2026

Inclusion, community and first team autographs: Day of action for women and girls with disabilities

A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.

Show more