21.11.2023Bayer 04

Atmospheric, emotional and fast-paced: Ukraine vs Italy at the BayArena

For the first international at the BayArena in six years, the sporting situation in Euro qualification Group C promised a thrilling encounter – and the Monday night match at the Werkself home venue developed into an atmospheric, highly emotional and equally peaceful football fest. The goalless draw ensured Italy qualify for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. Ukraine are in the play-offs and therefore still have a chance of qualifying for next year's finals.

It was emotional before kick-off at the BayArena. The Italian fans sang their national anthem with the usual passion and then applauded the equally loudly performed Ukraine anthem.

At the start of October, Bayer 04 agreed to a request from the Ukraine Football Association to host the qualifier for Euro 2024 at the Bundesliga stadium. Ukraine are unable to play internationals at home due to the Russian invasion so home matches are currently played abroad.

Italy secure euro 2024 spot

Third-placed Ukraine needed a win to move up to second above Italy in Group C and thereby qualify directly for next year's European Championships. England had already qualified as group winners.

The 26,400 plus spectators at the BayArena, including Ukraine record goalscorer and Ballon d'Or winner Andriy Shevchenko, witnessed a fast-paced and intense game of football with a host of chances at both ends. However, there were no goals in the 90 minutes with the 0-0 draw ensuring Italy qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.

Ukraine will take part in the play-offs at the end of March 2024 with the chance to progress to next summer's finals. Their place in the play-offs comes from their finish in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League with the final position in the Euro 2024 qualifying group match at the BayArena playing no part.

Carro: "message of solidarity"

Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, talked about a "clear message of solidarity" ahead of the game. "For the many Ukrainian people, who have found refuge in the Rhineland, this match at the BayArena is a great opportunity to be able to support their team from close-up – exactly as it is for the many Italian citizens who live in our region."

Related News

Bayer 04 - 03.08.2026

Bayer 04 extend Abdoulaye Faye contract – loan move to Celta Vigo

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended Abdoulaye Faye’s contract by a further year to 30 June 2031. During the 2026/27 season, the talented defender will play for Celta Vigo on loan without an option to buy. The 21-year-old Senegalese is set to feature in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League with last season’s sixth-placed side in Spain.

Bayer 04 - 02.08.2026

Day 1 blog: Barista course and golf to relax before work | Training camp in Weimarer Land

The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme on day one (Sunday 2 August) includes a media round with managing director sport Simon Rolfes, free time for the team after the friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen and before an intensive week of training begins, as well as a coffee get-together where CEO Fernando Carro and Rolfes met around 100 fans in the afternoon.

Bayer 04 - 02.08.2026

Bayer 04 transfer Kerim Alajbegovic to Juventus

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.

Werkself bezieht Quartier im Weimarer Land

Bayer 04 - 01.08.2026

Start of preseason training camp: Werkself arrive in Weimarer Land

A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.

Women - 01.08.2026

Home kit debut: Women’s team win friendly against Genk

With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.