Back
16.03.2023Bayer 04

News in brief ahead of #FTCB04: Leverkusen goal machine in the Europa League

The next challenge brings the Werkself to the Danube: Following the 2-0 home win against Ferencváros in the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16, Bayer 04 are in the Hungarian capital for the second leg today Thursday 16 March (kick-off: 21.00 CET). The latest updates on the game at the Puskas Arena...
crop_20230309_JS_B04_FTC_2254.jpg

#FTCB04 – match facts

Ferencváros have lost two out of three games against Bayer 04 in the Europa League. However, they did win the last home game 1-0 in December 2021 - the Werkself were already confirmed as group winners at that point.

Another interesting fact demonstrates the goal threat from the Bayer 04 players. Of all the clubs who have taken part in the last three Europa League campaigns (since 2020/21), Bayer 04 have the highest average number of goals per game over that period (2.5).

Werkself players under threat of suspension

While the Ferencváros full-back Endre Botka is currently serving a one-match ban, the same fate is hanging over several Bayer 04 players if progress is made to the quarter-finals: Odilon Kossounou, Mitchel Bakker, Kerem Demirbay and Florian Wirtz could be suspended for the first leg of the quarter-final tie if they pick up another yellow card in the match against Ferencváros.

focus on Ferencvaros 

Ferencváros lost 2-1 on Sunday night at home to fifth-placed Puskas Akademia in the OTP Bank Liga. It was the first defeat in front of their owns this season. Coach Stanislav Cherchesov made six changes to the side that started in the 2-0 defeat in Leverkusen as he rested a number regular starters. More information on the club from Budapest can be found in our lowdown on the next opponents.

Portuguese Dias is the ref

UEFA has appointed Artur Dias to referee the match in Budapest. This will be the second time the 43-year-old has been in charge of a game involving the Werkself. The Portuguese match official refereed the Champions League group match at Atlético Madrid in October 2019 (0-1). Dias’ assistant referees at the Puskas Arena are his fellow countrymen Paulo Soares and Pedro Ribeiro with Tiago Martins, also from Portugal, in action as the VAR official.

Werkself Radio and live text updates

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 and Niko Hartmann. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss anything in the game. Both Werkself Radio and the live text updates can be found at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app – tune in.

Related News

Gruppenfoto
Football Academy - 07.09.2026

Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visits Leverkusen

A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.

Show more
Equi Fernández
Business - 07.09.2026

Fashion and style for the Werkself: LERROS remains Bayer 04's official outfitter

The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.

Show more
Moussa Diaby nach Abpfiff
Bayer 04 - 05.09.2026

Diaby homecoming caps off big win at the BayArena

“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.

Show more
Werkself beim Torjubel
Bundesliga - 05.09.2026

Werkself thrash Union Berlin 4-0 in first home game

Bayer 04 produced a dominant and impressive 4-0 win over Union Berlin as they picked up three points in their first home game of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. Exequiel Fernández opened the scoring after only 41 seconds, with Facundo Medina doubling the lead before the half-hour mark. Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza continued the procession in the second period, in which Moussa Diaby came on for his first Leverkusen appearance for over three years.

Show more