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.
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
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