TSG Hoffenheim have not lost more home games in the Bundesliga against any other club than they have against Bayer 04 (nine). In addition, the team from the Kraichgau have not conceded as many goals at home in the Bundesliga against any other side as they have against the Werkself (29).
TSG have only been in the lead for 38 minutes at home in this Bundesliga campaign and it is at least 65 minutes for all the other teams. Bayer 04 have only been behind for a total of 21 minutes so far this season – the best record in the league this term.
TSG made their best start to the season in their Bundesliga history with 15 points from seven games. Since then however, they have experienced ups and downs: First there was a defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt (1-3), then a 3-2 victory over VfB Stuttgart, and finally a 1-0 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the last round of the DFB Pokal with the cup exit representing another setback. Hoffenheim are now sixth in the Bundesliga table. TSG, who only avoided relegation late on last season, are currently in touch with the European spots. Further information on today's opponents can be found in our lowdown on our next opponents.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Frank Willenborg as the man in the middle against TSG. The 44-year-old referee has previously been in charge of nine games involving the Werkself that ended in five wins, two draws and two defeats. Willenborg will be assisted on the touchlines by Guido Kleve and Arne Aarnink with Tobias Stieler on VAR duty.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Niko Hartmann and Cedric Pick. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text update service are available at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch. The Germany youth international goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with the Werkself running to 30 June 2029. The 18-year-old joined Leverkusen from FC Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2024.
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Ken Izekor is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to join third-tier side Alemannia Aachen with immediate effect. The 19-year-old centre-forward joined the club from Alemannia in 2018, and Izekor is now returning to his hometown.
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The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Bayer 04 have named Jorginho, a 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil, an official club legend. He is the second former Werkself player, after Paulo Sergio, to be accorded this special honour. For many years, the former Leverkusen defender has been deeply committed to helping people in need in his home city of Rio de Janeiro. More than 25 years ago, Jorginho launched the Bola pra Frente project, through which he uses the money he earned as a player – including during his time at Bayer 04 – to support children and young people in the favelas in particular. During a trip to Brazil lasting several days, Fernando Carro, CEO at Bayer 04, assured Jorginho of the club’s support for Bola pra Frente for at least another five years.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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