
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:

Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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