Berlin, Berlin, we're flying to Berlin
After the final pre-match training session on Friday afternoon, the Werkself flew to Berlin for the final match of the season. Absentees were Lars Bender, Hakan Calhanoglu, Kevin Volland, Roberto Hilbert, Ömer Toprak, Kevin Kampl and Karim Bellarabi who misses out due to a pulled stomach muscle.
It's the same procedure as usual on the final matchday including a communal walk ahead of the game. The team and staff will return home on Saturday night. As there is no training on Sunday it is the last obligatory commitment for the team.
Current state of play
The 'Old Lady' has only collected less points against Bayern Munich on average (0.69) than against Leverkusen (0.93) based on a minimum of three games played. However, Hertha will finish above Bayer 04 for the first time since the 2008/09 season. A victory would see the Berlin side retain fifth spot – that would be the best finish since 2008/09 (fourth).
Europe is in Hertha's sights: The Berliners could slip down as far as seventh place but that would still qualify them for the Europa League if Borussia Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB Cup final. One thing is certain regardless of other results: One point would be enough for Hertha to finish in at least six position. Bayer 04 can finish no higher than eleventh
More over: Over two seasons, Hertha have been in the top six 461 of the last 62 match days - the only time that was not the case was on matchday 34 of last season when they were seventh. A 0-0 draw at Mainz saw Hertha miss out on direct Europa League qualification. A bitter blow.
#FinallyRED - Everyone in RED
The Werkself are joining in with their red strip. And the fans too: The campaign #finallyRED calls for the away end to be in red on Saturday with all Werkself fans showing their true colours in Berlin.
‘Donate beakers – save lives'
Spectators at the stadium on Saturday can donate their deposit beakers and JustPay payment cards for the battle against cancer. All the money raised will be donated to the ‘KINDerLEBEN’ Association supporting the children's cancer hospital in Berlin.
Bayer 04 fans in the away end will also be able to set up containers to collect the beakers or donate cash to the collections. Join in support for the donation campaign on Saturday by putting your beakers in the appropriate donation container in the away end.
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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