This is Kiel’s first-ever season in the Bundesliga. Bayer 04 have lost only one of their eight maiden top-flight matches against division newcomers since 2008/09 (W6, D1).
This game is also Xabi Alonso’s 100th in charge of the Werkself. The Spaniard took over the team exactly two years ago today, on 5 October 2022. Under his guidance, Leverkusen won the Bundesliga for the first time, as well as adding DFB Pokal and Supercup glory to the list.
The northern club are currently propping up the table five games into the season. Their sole point to date in the top flight came in a 2-2 draw away at Bochum. Otherwise, it’s been four defeats against Hoffenheim (3-2), Wolfsburg (2-0), Bayern Munich (6-1) and Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2). Holstein come to Leverkusen with a number of things they want to improve on, especially in defence. They have already let in 17 goals, which is the most of any team in the Bundesliga. Find out more about our opponents in our in-depth analysis.
Today’s game marks Bayer 04’s 120th anniversary, which will see the team play in a special-edition kit. The jersey has numerous special features relating to the club's history and has been met with huge enthusiasm from fans. Never before has the club sold so many kits on the first day of sales. There are still some available to buy if you’re quick.
In keeping with the club’s 120th anniversary, the Bayer Sports Family is also the focus of today’s match. Numerous TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen athletes who took part in the Paralympics in August will be present today and will be honoured before kick-off by CEO Fernando Carro and managing director for sport Simon Rolfes. TSV will also be represented with information and hands-on stands in two activity areas around the stadium.
Werkself supporters can once again use the beer garden on the piazza in the north-east of the BayArena for a cosy end to the matchday after the final whistle. The beer garden was fitted with a roof construction just this summer, ensuring an improved and, in particular, weatherproof experience. A DJ will also provide music and a good atmosphere, and catering will also be provided.
Due to rail maintenance work around Cologne, there are currently delays on public transport. Fans are requested to check their travel plans and make their way to the BayArena early.
The German FA (DFB) have appointed Robert Hartmann to oversee this game. The 45-year-old has previously taken charge of 18 Leverkusen fixtures (W10, D5, L3). His assistants are Christian Leicher and Markus Schüller. Guido Winkmann is the VAR.
As ever, there’s our live text and radio commentary via bayer04.de and the Bayer 04 app (in German) for those wishing to follow the game.
Newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg will begin the 2026/27 season as Bundesliga club number 59. The Saarland club start their first Bundesliga campaign at home to the Werkself on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST) at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, which is currently being rebuilt. For one Leverkusen player in the ‘Elv’ line-up, the clash will be a special reunion. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The fixture details for the Bayer 04 Women’s first match in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been confirmed: As announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday morning, the Leverkusen Women will face second-tier side FC Viktoria Berlin in the first round on Sunday 27 September at 14:00 CEST.
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Once again, well over 100 Werkself fans were delighted to receive an invitation from the club’s record appearance-maker, Rüdiger Vollborn, to the sold-out Schwadbud at the BayArena. This time, the supporters listened as the club historian provided fascinating, exclusive insights into the period from Bayer 04 being founded in 1904 to the club’s promotion to the Bundesliga in 1979. A journey through time is also planned for the upcoming ‘Rudi lädt ein’ event in early November – this time focusing on the years of the Nazi regime.
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Getting in the mood for the new season together, exchanging ideas and looking ahead to the coming months: Bayer 04 welcomed partners to the BayArena for the annual sponsors season-launch event. In a relaxed atmosphere, the management, head coach and players came together with representatives from partner companies to celebrate the start of the 2026/27 season.
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