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

Borussia Mönchengladbach
Bundesliga - 06.02.2026

Our next opponents: ‘The top priority is and remains staying up’

After just two points from their last four games, the situation has become trickier for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the bottom third of the table. Only three points separate the Foals from the relegation play-off spot. Coach Eugen Polanski's team is under pressure ahead of the home game against the Werkself on Saturday, 7 February (kick-off: 18:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Wildcard-Cup
eSports - 06.02.2026

#B04eSports: Register now for the Werkself Wildcard Cup and secure your place in the VBL Open Play-offs

Calling all eSports fans: On Saturday, 21 February (from 16:00 CET), the Werkself Wildcard Cup will take place at XPERION Köln (Hansaring 97, 50670 Cologne). Interested EA FC 26 amateur players will have the opportunity to win attractive prizes and a place in the VBL Open Play-offs by WOW. The play-offs are the final preliminary stage of the VBL Grand Final by WOW, the tournament for the German individual championship and, alongside the club championship (VBL CC), the most important sub-competition in the German eSports scene. Read on for information on registration.

Show more
crop_20251222_JS_14_B04FCB_Frauen_0280.jpg
Women - 05.02.2026

Women’s Bundesliga sets course for next steps

At its first general meeting on 5 February 2026 in Frankfurt am Main, the Frauen Bundesliga FBL e.V. made key decisions regarding the future direction of the Women’s Bundesliga. The meeting was based on the results of the negotiations with the German Football Association (DFB) over the past few weeks.

Show more
Werkself feiert Viertelfinal-Sieg
DFB-Pokal - 04.02.2026

Werkself review #B04FCSP: 'Not going to rest on or laurels, but keep giving it our all'

Another efficient performance from the Werkself in the 3-0 home win against FC St. Pauli saw them reach the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third time in a row, and it was not the only record set on what was a successful evening. It meant head coach Kasper Hjulmand was delighted to "still be in with the chance of winning something". Like the coach, however, the ambitious Edmond Tapsoba also stated that he wanted to keep "improving" bit by bit: "We'll continue to give our all, no matter who we come up against." The Werkself review of the clash.

Show more