Union Saint-Gilloise are playing in a European competition again for the first time in 58 years. The Belgian club played in the Fairs Cup (predecessor to the UEFA Cup) five times from the 1950s to the the middle of the 1960s. USG have proved to be very successful on their return to the European stage: The 1-0 defeat against Union Berlin in the group stage is their only loss in the Europa League this term. The overall tally: 5 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat.
The Werkself have experience in coming out on top against Belgian teams: Bayer 04 have only lost once in seven matches against Belgian clubs with three wins and three draws in the other games. Leverkusen did not concede a single goal in the three home fixtures.
Following four wins in succession, USG had to settle for one point in the Jupiler Pro League at the weekend. The team under coach Karel Geraerts earned a 1-1 draw in the big match against fourth-placed Gent and remain second behind league leaders Genk. Union Saint-Gilloise have already qualified again for the championship play-offs between the top four clubs with 69 points from 32 games. The Yellow and Blues could take top spot in the remaining two league fixtures as they are only two points adrift from Genk. USG had a sensational season as a newly promoted club last term and they only lost to Club Brugge in the play-offs. You can find out more about the personnel, performers and problems for the Belgian club in our lowdown on the next opponents.
Bayer 04 requests everybody to arrive at the BayArena in good time to allow fans to get to their seats in time for kick-off and to avoid long queues at the turnstiles.
In addition, Nordkurve12, the independent umbrella organisation of Bayer 04 fans, has called for supporters to meet the team bus. From 19.00 CEST, all Bayer 04 fans are asked to be on Bismarckstraße to show vocal support for the Werkself.
Anyone wanting to read key facts about the match against USG before the game should take a look at the new Werkself LIVE. The matchday magazine is available at the BayArena and the digital version is also available free of charge online. This includes a Kerem Demirbay poster. HERE is the e-paper.
UEFA has appointed Ivan Kruzliak as the referee for today’s quarter-final first leg. Foe the 39-year-old Slovak, who has already been in charge of three Champions League games this season, it will be the first fixture involving the Werkself. His assistant referees are his fellow countrymen Branislav Hancko and Jan Pozor, Paolo Valeri is the VAR official.
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.
After the first win of the season against 1. FC Union Berlin (4-0) last weekend, the Werkself are aiming to collect another three points at FC Augsburg on Saturday 12 September (kick-off 15:30 CEST). The hosts, meanwhile, are enjoying their best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign and go into Matchday 3 top of the table for the first time. The Matchday News.
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The Werkself are away to FC Augsburg on matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game at the WWK Arena against the current – and for the first time – league leaders of the German top flight is on Saturday 12 September at 15:30 CEST. Ahead of the match, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about this week’s training and the team’s approach to the fixture, as they face an opponent brimming with confidence. The Spaniard also addressed a number of squad matters.
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FC Augsburg are top of the table for the first time in their Bundesliga history. After two wins for starters, FCA lead the German top-flight with six points and a goal difference of 7 to 1. This Saturday, 12 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), Augsburg are looking to build on their strong start to the season against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Following the closure of the 2026 summer transfer window, the Bayer 04 men's and women's first teams lined up for a first-ever joint photo at the BayArena. Werkself fans can now download the official photos for free.
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Bayer 04 Women will be without captain Carolin Simon and striker Valentina Mädl over the coming weeks. Both players missed last Friday's 2-1 Bundesliga win at TSG Hoffenheim because of muscle injuries.
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