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:
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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