
"We have invited our first team players here today to show the team what Bayer is all about and what our company actually does. The team should experience our scientific work with all their senses today," explained communications director Sonja Diewerge.
The Bayer 04 players spent an hour in small groups finding out about the different work areas of Bayer AG via lectures, films and interactive exhibits. The workshops provided the opportunity to test body scanners or experiment using test tubes to determine pH values.
Heiko Herrlich and Kai Havertz additionally had the chance to get to know their bodies a bit better. With the help of Bayer employees, the Werkself head coach was able to identify his own DNA in an experiment. The youngster Kai Havertz slipped into a so-called ageing suit that enabled the 18-year-old to appreciate the typical limitations experienced by older people such as impaired vision or reduction in strength. In spite of the circumstances, Kai Havertz still showed his above-average talent by demonstrating his ball control.

There were celebrations among those in black and red at the RheinEnergieSTADION. On Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season, the Werkself beat 1. FC Köln 2-0 and registered their sixth successive win in the derby. Aleix Garcia put Bayer 04 in front after just seven minutes with a direct free kick. Leverkusen played with discipline and energy after that and didn't allow some fierce challenges to unsettle them. Patrik Schick made it 2-0 in the 86th minute, and Said El Mala's goal in stoppage time for Köln proved nothing more than consolation. Jonas Hofmann crowned the derby win with his 100th appearance for the club.
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Bayer 04 have won each of their last five competitive encounters with 1. FC Köln, and it's around seven years since their last defeat in the cathedral city. That said, the hosts are in strong form at home and will make it anything but easy for the Werkself at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 15:30 CET). The Matchday News.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-0 win against Hamburger SV on Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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1. FC Köln host Bayer 04 on Sunday 8 November (kick-off 15:30 CET) in the 75th Bundesliga derby between the Rhineland neighbours. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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