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

Kurzpässe vor #M05B04
Bundesliga - 10.10.2026

Matchday news #M05B04: Werkself on the road in Mainz

With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel beim 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 5. Bundesliga-Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 09.10.2026

Martínez ahead of Mainz clash: ‘Competitive games are what we really like’

Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.

Show more
Sheraldo Becker und Phillip Tietz
Bundesliga - 09.10.2026

Our next opponents: Deadly duo on form up front

FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Thomas Eichin
Bayer 04 - 09.10.2026

Happy Birthday, Thomas Eichin: The down-to-earth go-getter turns 60

Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.

Show more
Gedenkfeier für Peter Hermann
Bayer 04 - 08.10.2026

Memorial event for Peter Hermann

Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.

Show more