Matchday news #B04M05: Special jersey on fan club matchday

looking for home win in special jersey

The first Werkself fan club was founded 50 years ago when Bayer 04 were in Bundesliga 2 North. ‘First Fanclub 1976 Leverkusen’ paved the way for all subsequent fan clubs and several generations of Bayer 04 supporters, who followed their team through ups and downs over half a century. This long-standing loyalty from the fan clubs is not only the focus of the home matchday against Mainz 05, but is also honoured by the Werkself playing in a stylish special jersey. There will also be a competition in connection with the white kit after the match. It is simply Love that lasts a lifetime.

Representatives from various fan clubs will also experience the matchday up close. While some members will present the two club logos on the pitch as the teams enter, ‘Lev-Szene '86’ will display a fan club banner in the upper tier of Block C. In addition, after a half-time interview with a member of the USA fan club ‘Werkself Warriors’, six long-standing fan clubs will be honoured for up to 50 years of loyalty under the Cross.

Olympics discussion with mayor Hebbel

At half-time, the stadium announcer duo Pitti Dahl and Tobi Ufer welcome three special guests for a special discussion: javelin world champion Steffi Nerius, Leverkusen mayor Stefan Hebbel and City of Leverkusen manager Marc Adomat provide information on the status of the ‘KölnRheinRuhr’ region bid for the 2036, 2040 and 2044 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The trio will also explain the importance of Leverkusen as a venue for the Olympic football tournament, subject to a referendum to be held between 9 March and 19 April.

#B04M05: match facts

Fan club members who travelled to Mainz for the Hinrunde fixture were able to celebrate four times during the goal fest (4-3). That is no rarity, as Bayer 04 are particularly fond of scoring against the Rheinhessen side: Leverkusen have scored in each of the past 17 Bundesliga games against Mainz 05 - the longest current scoring streak against a team in the Bundesliga. In contrast, the visitors from the Rhineland-Palatinate have conceded at least one goal in each of their last eleven matches away from home.

Meanwhile, the Werkself have shut up shop with own defence, especially in front of their home crowd. In the goalless draw in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off against Olympiacos, the Bayer 04 defence kept a clean sheet at home for the fifth time in a row. Especially in the second 45, no other Bundesliga team has conceded as few goals (ten) as the Black and Reds this term.

focus on Mainz 05

Urs Fischer's side, on the other hand, have the weakest attack in the top flight in the second half of the games (14 goals scored). Nevertheless, the Swiss coach has achieved significant improvements with the Mainz 05 team since his appointment in December. The Rheinhessen side have climbed from 18th place to 13th in twelve games, but are still only three points above the relegation spot of 17th. After a 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich and a 2-1 win at RB Leipzig, Mainz are now looking to get a result at the BayArena. Possible key areas: a solid defence, a lot of desire and a former Leverkusen player in top form. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Werkself Live

Do you want to prepare for the game against Mainz like the players? Then take a look at the new Werkself Live. The matchday magazine, that provides the important facts and figures on the game in compact form, is available at the BayArena. Alternatively, the free online version is also available. This time on the XXL poster: Jonas Omlin. Click HERE for the ePaper.

stieler is the ref

Tobias Stieler will be officiating a Werkself match for the 34th time. Bayer 04 have been extremely successful with the 44-year-old in charge of proceedings, particularly in the recent past: The Black and Reds have won all ten of their previous encounters, including the Super Cup victory against VfB Stuttgart, a league win against Bayern Munich and most recently the 1-0 victory in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund. On Saturday afternoon, Stieler will have the support of assistant referees Lasse Koslowski and Mark Borsch. Daniel Schlager will act as the video assistant referee.