"Bayer 04 Leverkusen had a phenomenal season and exceeded their own expectations by winning the league title and the DFB Pokal. That success is the result of hard work, great passion and genuine team spirit," said Minister President Hendrik Wüst. "We are proud that we have a club from North Rhine Westphalia at the top of the Bundesliga again after a long time. Leverkusen not only brought the title to North Rhine Westphalia but also showed what can be achieved with stamina and cohesion. Therefore I would like to sincerely congratulate the team and the whole club."
Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO: "We felt very honoured to receive the invitation from the Minister-President and we immediately accepted it with pleasure. We are very happy to have brought the Meisterschale back to the sporting state of North Rhine Westphalia for the first time in twelve years. We would like to thank everybody who supported us during that unforgettable time."
In the presence of the NRW Interior Minister Herbert Reul, a season card holder at Bayer 04 for many years, Carro presented Minister-President Wüst with a signed champions jersey following a group photo.
Amongst other guests were Peter Frymuth (President of the Western German Football Association), Marc Adomat (City manager in Leverkusen), Nathanael Liminski (Head of the state chancellery), Dr. Thomas Wilk (District president of Cologne) and Anke Feller (Deputy chair of the NRW sports foundation).
It's finally Champions League time again! Under the motto 'Sound of Dreams', the Werkself's European journey begins on Thursday 18 September (kick-off 18:45 CEST) at FC Copenhagen. The Danes relied on their experience and solid defence in particular to come through qualifying. Nevertheless, their record against German teams is not good, and Bayer 04 also have positive memories of their previous two encounters with FCK. The Matchday News rounds up all the info on the match.
Show more
The opener in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26: On Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), the Werkself will kick off the new UCL campaign at FC Copenhagen. Ahead of the clash, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about his return to Parken, the Danish record champions' home ground. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, for his part, was looking forward to his first Champions League game.
Show more
Bayer 04's new coach Kasper Hjulmand will kick off the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in his home country: The Danish double winners FC Copenhagen welcome the Werkself to the Parken Stadium on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST/live on DAZN). Hjulmand not only knows the stadium, but also some of the FC Copenhagen players from his time as the Denmark coach. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Bayer 04 are away to FC Copenhagen on the first matchday of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The game against the Danish record champions is on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST) at the Parken Stadium. Ahead of the match, here are some travel tips from Bayer 04 partner weloveholidays for all travelling fans of the Werkself.
Show more
