Dear Bayer 04 fans,
Although there was great disappointment after the 3-2 home win against Hannover 96 at just missing out on our objective of qualifying for the Champions League, most visitors to the stadium will remember that afternoon for ever. It was one of the most emotional and memorable in the history of the BayArena.
What the Bayer 04 fans produced on the day was fantastic and simply top class: From the gigantic choreography and the atmosphere throughout the game to the tributes, gifts, interviews and loud applause for Stefan Kießling after the game! A sensational production from our most loyal supporters.
On behalf of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, I would like to thank everybody, from the bottom of my heart, who was involved in the planning, preparation and realisation of this great afternoon. We really value this support. Our supporters have laid down a marker observed nationwide which has attracted great recognition. It was a fantastic finish to a good season overall that has further strengthened and helped Bayer 04. At the same time, we have once again really learned to value the importance of our fans and their commitment to the club.
I wish all Werkself supporters a relaxed summer break. Let's look forward to next season with the return of European football. We will do all we can to strengthen and develop this young and highly talented team.
Best regards
Michael Schade, CEO
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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