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.
Two games – two wins: Bayer 04 have picked up maximum points from their two matches so far in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. What's more, of their previous 14 UEL matches, Bayer 04 have lost just one. Away to OFI Crete, Carles Martínez’s side are looking to add another successful performance on the European stage to their string of impressive displays. The Greeks, for their part, have been waiting four matches for a win, but Leverkusen should be on their guard: OFI’s most recent victory came against a German side. Today's matchday news.
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Ahead of Bayer 04's Europa League match away to OFI Crete in Greece, defender Jarell Quansah spoke to Werkself-TV...
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Brimming with confidence after five consecutive competitive wins, Bayer 04 face OFI Crete on Thursday evening, 22 October (kick-off: 19:45 local time, 18:45 CEST). Ahead of the UEFA Europa League clash on Greece’s largest island, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the opposition and the late inclusion of Jonas Hofmann, whilst defender Jarell Quansah discussed the reasons behind the Werkself’s winning run.
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It couldn't have been any tighter! Despite winning four of six games in the online preliminary round in Showdown 1 of the VBL Club Championship 2026/27, Leverkusen eSports duo Marc and Sean Landwehr didn't make it through to the offline knockout round. Level on points (12) with seven other teams, Leverkusen were the only team with this points tally not to progress as they had the worst single-game record compared to their rivals.
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He's one of the leading figures of Leverkusen and the German economy: Werner Wenning rose from an apprentice at Bayer 04 to CEO of the global company. A childhood Werkself fan, he has held a position of responsibility at the club for many years as chairman of the shareholder committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH. Today the Leverkusen native celebrates his 80th birthday. The entire Bayer 04 family offers its warmest wishes!
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