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.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
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In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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