The referee for today's match is Benjamin Brand. The 27-year-old management executive will be assisted by Robert Schröder and Christian Leicher. Marcus Schüller is the fourth official.
Good omen? – The next run?
After the 3-1 win at Augsburg: Two years ago a 2-2 draw at FCA was followed by a run of seven Bundesliga wins in succession the Bayer 04 and last year 3-3 draw at Augsburg was also followed by seven Bundesliga victories on the bounce. Let's hope that happens again.
On song against Mainz
Bayer 04 have won three of the last four matches against Mainz with this season's previous fixture ending in a 3-2 win at Mainz. However, Leverkusen have never won both games in a season against FSV. With 37 goals conceded (the same as Hamburg SV) Mainz have the third weakest defence in the league behind Bremen (42) and Darmstadt (41). Only once have they conceded as many goals at the same point in the season as now (2004/05, finished in 11th position).
Mainz weak on the road
FSV Mainz have lost the last six away games in the top flight – the team from Rhineland Hessen have only experienced a similar bad run in the Bundesliga in their first season in 2004/5 when they ended up losing eight away games in succession.
What an exciting previous game
The Werkself wanted the win and they got it. Bayer 04 showed great team spirit to come from behind twice and score the 3-2 winner in added time. Chicharito was the man of the match with a hat-trick for the Werkself. It's good to remember: It was the second minute of added time as Jonathan Tah chipped the ball into the box for Chicharito to head the ball past Jonas Lössl into the net.
Schwadbud is open
As usual, the popular fan pub the Schwadbud at the BayArena opens its doors two hours before kick-off, is closed during the game and reopens for ticket holders after the match. The #W11Fantalk will be broadcast live on the club website.
#W11Fantalk with Kevin Kampl
After the match at around 18.00 CET the Werkself player will again answer your questions at the popular #W11Fantalk - this time it's the turn of Kevin Kampl from Solingen to appear at the Schwadbud. You can put your questions to Kevin from now via Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #W11Fantalk.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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