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.
We are taking the Day of German Unity and the anniversary as an opportunity to tell a story that befits the subject - that of Falko Götz. The long-serving player, who currently works in scouting at Bayer 04, spoke to bayer04.de about his youth in the GDR, his escape during an away game in Belgrade and how he identifies with Bayer 04.
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With seven points from five games, Union Berlin have made a decent start to the season. Particularly in the wins against VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, the Irons, who are otherwise known for their strong defence, impressively demonstrated they also have a lot to offer in attack. They will be looking to prove this once again at the BayArena on Saturday, 4 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST, match on Sky and highlights on DAZN). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Derby time in the Rhineland! After a successful September, the Bayer 04 Women are away to FC Köln on Sunday, 4 October. In the Bundesliga match kicking off at 18:30 CEST at the Franz Kremer Stadium (live on MagentaSport and DAZN), coach Roberto Pätzold is counting on the return of a number of players who have been absent through injury.
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Bayer 04 have extended the contract with Argentinian World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios with his current contract due to run out in the summer of 2028. The midfielder, currently unavailable due to injury, has signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club that runs to 30 June 2030.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Axel Tape for the time being.
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