This could be a very special day. First, a win for Bayer 04 would secure the first German league title in the club's history. Secondly, the Werkself, now unbeaten in 42 games, could equal the record set in the top five European leagues by Juventus (43 games from May 2011 to May 2012) with a win or a draw.
In addition, Bayer Leverkusen could beat the Bundesliga record start set by Bayern Munich in 2013/14 when the team from Munich were unbeaten in the first 28 games under Pep Guardiola.
Bismarckstraße will be closed today from 13.00 CEST to traffic from Konrad-Adenauer-Platz up to the roundabout at Robert-Blum-Straße (Haus Janes). Access to Bismarckstraße is possible with the appropriate proof of entitlement (for example residents parking permits for this area during the game) albeit exclusively via Konrad-Adenauer-Platz.
These measures are required for the construction of barriers in the northern end of Bismarckstraße at the order of the police. The aim is to maintain access to Bismarckstraße for the ÖPNV public transport services and particularly the emergency services (fire brigade, ambulances) at all times.
Bayer 04 request all fans to arrive at the BayArena in good time and not to use the road surface on Bismarckstraße. That ensures the way will be kept clear for the ÖPNV local transport service.
If the Werkself beat Werder Bremen then there will be shuttle buses to the free car parks at Kurtekotten up to four hours after the final whistle (instead of the usual two hours after a game).
Due to the high demand we have received for venues in Leverkusen showing the game against Werder Bremen, we have set up a Bayer 04 bar compass. Leverkusen bars pubs and venues broadcasting the match can be found HERE.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Harm Osmers as the referee for today's game. The 39-year-old has previously been in charge of 15 games involving the Werkself with eight wins, four draws and three defeats from a Black and Red perspective. His assistants today are Robert Kempter and Thorben Siewer with Pascal Müller in action as the VAR official.
Anyone wanting to discover the latest information ahead of the cup tie can take a look at the new Werkself Live. The matchday magazine, that includes key facts and stats on the match, is available at the BayArena. Alternatively it is available free online. HERE is the e-paper.
Today's game is dedicated to inclusion to draw attention to this important subject – including a range of activities on the concourses at the stadium with the collection of spectacles for the campaign for donating glasses worldwide and the Werkself will wear a special T-shirt in the warm-up before the game.
Werder Bremen have not won any of their last six Bundesliga fixtures. They did pick up a point last weekend away to Eintracht Frankfurt following a run of four defeats. Werder took the lead with a tap-in from Milos Veljkovic (62') but then, a man down after a red card for Jens Stage, they were pegged back with a strike from Tuta (77'). After the game, the Werder Bremen coach Ole Werner was "absolutely satisfied" with the performance of his team. "I have to pay a compliment to the lads who have kept their heads up although we have been through a tricky few weeks. They showed everything in terms of battling and defensive ability that you need away from home." Find out more about Werder Bremen in our lowdown on the next opponents.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Niko Hartmann and Cedric Pick. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text update service are available at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app.
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
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The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
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