The best defence of this calendar year play host to the second best: Union Berlin have only conceded 11 goals in 2023 and the Werkself just 15.
This clash brings together Jeremie Frimpong and Union’s Sheraldo Becker, the two players who have made the most sprints in the league this season. For the Leverkusen player it is 950 and the Irons striker has made 922.
2,500 Leverkusen fans are expected to make their way to the capital to support the Werkself in the game against the Irons at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium. Over the course of the 2022/23 season, Bayer 04 have been able to count on the backing of an average of 2,000 fans at their away games. The club is grateful for this fantastic support.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Marco Fritz as the referee for the game at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium. The 45-year-old has been in charge of 21 games involving the Werkself to date (11 wins, three draws, seven defeats). His assistants today are Dominik Schaal and Marcel Pelgrim with Marcus Schmidt in action as the VAR official.
Last weekend, Union Berlin secured a deserved 1-0 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach and thereby extended their lead over fifth place to four points. The Irons are third in the table on 55 points. That is just two points less than the previous best return for the club in the Bundesliga from last season. They are on course to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. You can find out more about the personnel, performers and problems for the Irons in our lowdown on the next opponents.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick und Niko Hartmann. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text updates can be found at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app – tune in.
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
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