On paper, the chances of the Black and Reds securing victory number 04 of the season are not so bad: The Werkself have only lost three of the 20 league meetings with Hoffenheim – Bayer 04 do not have a similar win ratio against any other team in the league (70 per cent) and an equally high points average (2.25 points). And: Hoffenheim have not lost more often to any other Bundesliga team (14 times, as against Bayern Munich). Moreover: The Werkself have scored 43 goals (conceded 20) in their 20 games against TSG – on average more than against any other club in the Bundesliga. But beware: TSG have won two of their three victories at the BayArena with the last one two years ago in October 2016. That's definitely enough for the time being.
A home win would be really good after the games against Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96. As it stands, the current return of 04 points from 04 home games is the worst since 04×04 years (2002/03). In addition, the Werkself have already conceded nine goals at the BayArena – there have never been that many in the first 04 home games before now. All the better, that Heiko Herrlich has never lost against Julian Nagelsmann as a coach (one win, one draw). And he has never lost against TSG.
The matchday hashtag #B04TSG has been in much demand at the Bayer 04 HQ this week. The Hoffenheim matchday is a double home matchday for the Black and Reds. Or put another way: Two matches against Hoffenheim. In addition to the Werkself fixture, the Bayer 04 women's team are playing Hoffenheim in the women's Bundesliga on Saturday (kick-off: 12.30 CET, Ulrich Haberland Stadium). The Bayer 04 women will need maximum support from the Bayer 04 fans against the team currently lying in fifth position. For that reason, the west side of the BayArena will be open from midday. And it will certainly be good for us if Hoffenheim go home empty-handed.
The recent upturn for the Werkself is closely associated with one name: Karim Bellarabi. After a difficult season last term the Werkself number 38 has rediscovered his previous strengths. We'll be happy if Karim – as Heiko Herrlich announced – "can show everybody that he still hungry": He has an impressive return from the last four games with six goals and two assists.
Julian Brandt has also been impressive. The Man of the Match from the Gladbach game also made a powerful contribution to the match at Bremen with a goal and an assist. It was also the first goal of the season for the Werkself number 10. And now one for the history books. The 22-year-old has scored at least one goal in all of his six seasons in the Bundesliga – no other Bayer 04 player has achieved that before their 25th birthday (Herbert Wass and Gonzalo Castro). Moreover: After the game Jule will be calling into the Schwadbud: He will be at the #W11Fantalk, where he will be analysing the 90 minutes against Hoffenheim with stadium announcer Tobias Ufer and others. Do you have any questions for the Werkself number 10? If so, submit them via Facebook or Twitter (using the hashtag #W11Fantalk). It starts around 18.00 CET broadcast live on bayer04.de plus on our Facebook page.
At this point it is worth saying tickets are still available for the game. And information for everybody: As with every game there is the official live text commentary on bayer04.de and via our smart phone apps. Anybody wanting the stadium atmosphere with commentary (in German) there is the Werkself Radio. Before, during and after the game there is up-to-date information on the official social media chance of Bayer 04 – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – including line-ups, photos and the most important events during the game. The matchday hashtag is #B04TSG. The target is: Join together for the 04 win of the season. Come on, the Werkself!
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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