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.
Goalkeeper Anne Moll will leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the season. The 21-year-old will join second-tier club VfL Bochum 1848 when her contract expires on 30 June.
Show more
Ahead of the conclusion to the 2025/26 season with the Werkself and the World Cup with Argentina, Bayer 04 midfielder Exequiel Palacios answered questions from journalists from the Latin America region. In a digital media round, the 27-year-old, who's been in Leverkusen since 2020, spoke about the "great development potential" in the current Werkself squad as well as his World Cup ambitions with the Albiceleste, among other things.
Show more
Full-back Julia Mickenhagen is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the season to join Bundesliga newcomers VfB Stuttgart. The 21-year-old’s contract with the club expires on 30 June.
Show more
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-1 win at RB Leipzig on the 25th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
Show more
