The dates are set: The Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg in the first round of the DFB Cup on the penultimate day in July. The new season launch event with the fans will take place at the BayArena a day later. In addition, the venue for the first pre-season friendly has also been confirmed.
A weekend that all Bayer 04 supporters should circle in red in their diaries: First, the Werkself play SV 07 Elversberg (kick-off: 15.30 CEST) in the first round of the DFB Cup on Saturday 30 July. Tickets for the match are expected to go on sale on Tuesday 5 July.
A day later on Sunday 31 July, the Werkself invite all fans to the official season launch at the BayArena. The area between the Ulrich Haberland Stadium and the motorway is open from 10.30 CEST and entry is free of charge. A Black and Red programme of events to mark new season awaits young and old alike for the following six hours.
The highlight of the day is planned for lunchtime: The team under head coach Gerardo Seoane will be presented to the fans. That will be followed by an autograph session with Lukas Hradecky & Co. taking time out for the supporters. A varied programme of events is planned with lots of opportunities for the whole family to join in.
There is also an opportunity to secure the new Werkself shirt and have it printed as required. Anyone not looking for new kit but who wants to avoid missing any of the home games in the 2022/23 season has the chance to try out a potential season card seat at the BayArena. All current season cardholders can use the Bayer 04 Service Centre to change their seats if required.
The date for the first friendly against MSV Duisburg has long been known but now the venue for the Werkself game against the Zebras on Saturday 9 July has been confirmed. Seoane and his players head 50 kilometres north to Velbert. This will provide an opportunity to gain the first insights ahead of the coming season against the third division side. The kick-off at the IMS Arena will be at 15.30 CEST. Further information on ticket sales will be announced shortly.
Calendar of events:
A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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