It was an acoustic topic of discussion in the TV broadcast, in the press box and even inside the BayArena. While the Werkself were playing their home game against Hoffenheim (4-1) on Sunday night, a large number of festively decorated tractors brought attention to themselves with loud honking of horns.
Farmers from the region carried out their second procession on the third Sunday in Advent with their illuminated tractors making their way through the Leverkusen residential areas. "With this event, we wanted to spread a bit of joy amongst the people during this time of the pandemic," was the view of the organiser. "And we didn't miss the chance to send a suitable greeting to our league leaders." On the second Sunday in Advent, the column of tractors visited children's and care homes for the elderly and distributed a large number of gingerbread men. A great event.
And this community project, which Bayer 04 are involved with, has also produced positive headlines: The fan liaison at the current Bundesliga league leaders have called for donations in recent days and weeks. That resulted in the donation of 86 gift boxes and commodity contributions plus Christmas biscuits and more. The donations were distributed at food stations run by the volunteer homeless support group ‘Kältegang Leverkusen’.
Back to football: The home win against Hoffenheim not only brought another three points to the Werkself but also top spot in the Bundesliga for the first time since matchday three in the 2014/15 season. The head coach then was Roger Schmidt who was at Leverkusen from 2014 to 2017. The current coach of PSV Eindhoven can look back at 61 wins and 29 draws with Bayer 04. The Black and Reds ended that season in fourth place with a total of 61 points.
It was not only Werkself fans who honoured Leon Bailey for his brace against TSG with the title of Man of the Match. Journalists also highlighted the performance of the Jamaican. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and the Rheinische Post awarded top marks to Bailey who was also included in the team the day by kicker. Youngster Florian Wirtz and stalwart Julian Baumgartlinger were awarded high marks in the Stadt-Anzeiger.
The 18-year-old Samed Onur did not play against Hoffenheim but he did make his first-team debut last week in the 4-0 home win against Slavia Prague. Thanks to his first appearance under head coach Peter Bosz, Onur is now listed in the Werkself squad on bayer04.de. Up-and-coming talents Emrehan Gedikli and Cem Tuna Türkmen made their debuts previously in the Europa League. Click HERE for Onur’s profile.
There won’t just be plenty of excitement on the pitch as Bayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena at 18:30 CET on Saturday. Outside the stadium there will be collection points for food donations to the Leverkusen Foodbank, which will also benefit from the profits of a jersey raffle in the Fanwelt afterwards. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the passing of long-time Werkself player Dieter Herzog, before two fan clubs are honoured for their decades-long support at half-time and fans receive a talk about Orange Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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Bayer 04 go into the first of two successive clashes with Borussia Dortmund boosted by their Champions League win at Manchester City. Ahead of the Bundesliga top match on Saturday, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the tight schedule, BVB's strengths and returning squad members.
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Borussia Dortmund are doing very well in terms of points and results in the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. BVB have only suffered two defeats to date this term. Now coach Niko Kovac's team are away to the Werkself on Saturday night, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET) in the top match on Bundesliga matchday 12. The two teams meet again three days later in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie in Dortmund. Two very competitive encounters are on the cards. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The Bayer 04 Women clcoked up a 3-2 win in a friendly against Twente Enschede on Thursday afternoon in the last international break of 2025. In drizzle, Lilla Turanyi (16’), Kristin Kögel (65’) and Paulina Bartz (69’) scored the goals for the Werkself against the Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen leaders, who are still unbeaten in the league.
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