A few days after the announcement by the German Football League (DFL) that the Werkself have the best pitch in the Bundesliga, the Germany national team have the chance to see that for themselves tonight. Because of the international fixture, the BayArena has had a makeover inside and out over recent days: The stands, dugouts and interior are now black-and-white instead of the familiar Bayer 04 red. "The DFB have transformed everything," explained Stephan Rehm, events director at the Werkself. As is usual with international matches, the capacity at the BayArena will be 29,412 (all seated).
Germany have won six and drawn once in the seven internationals to date at Leverkusen. The German national team have beaten Saudi Arabia twice – the last win was in 2002 when the team then managed by the current Bayer 04 sporting director Rudi Völler secured an 8-0 victory in a warm-up game for the World Cup finals of that year.
The Leverkusen transport company Wupsi are laying on numerous shuttle buses and additional services for the journey to the BayArena.
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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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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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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