Leverkusen have the better of the head-to-head record with 28 wins from 58 top-flight encounters, plus 13 draws and 17 defeats. It’s just one loss in the last 10 meetings, which came in Bochum on 27 May 2023 (3-0). And as we all remember, Xabi Alonso’s side then went on a 51-game unbeaten run in all competitions following that.
It also makes the reverse in Bochum over a year ago the last Bundesliga defeat away from home for the Werkself, who are now unbeaten in 21 on their league travels. In the history of the Bundesliga, only Bayern Munich have ever managed longer undefeated away streaks (33 from 2012 to 2014, 26 from 1985 to 1987).
Coming into today’s game, Bayer 04 top the Bundesliga for the most shots this season (177), while Bochum rank third for most shots faced (157) behind Holstein Kiel (160) and Eintracht Frankfurt (159).
This week, Bochum announced Dieter Hecking as their new head coach until the end of the season. The Bochum native comes with a wealth of experience ahead of his 419th Bundesliga game on the touchline – the most of any current Bundesliga coach – and with the task of turning things around. The Ruhr club have just one point from their first nine games, which equals the worst start of any team to a Bundesliga season. Add in their goal difference (-20), and it’s in fact the worst of any side after nine rounds of fixtures. And there are also other areas of great concern at the Ruhrstadion. Only Union Berlin (39.1%) have averaged less possession than Bochum (40.3%), who’ve also played the fewest passes of all teams (3,070) and have the worst pass completion (74%). Find out more about today’s opponents HERE.
The A40 motorway is still fully closed towards Essen due to subsidence in the carriageway at the Kaiserberg junction near Duisburg. This may result in travel restrictions. Road users on the A40 going towards Essen will be diverted via the A59. It is no longer possible to access the A40 from the A59 towards Essen. All fans are advised to find out about alternative routes in good time and to make their way to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion as early as possible.
Bayer 04 fan liaison team has all the information you need about the away game for the 2,750 fans travelling to the match HERE.
The German FA (DFB) has appointed Robert Hartmann as the referee for today’s game in Bochum. The 45-year-old has previously overseen 19 Werkself fixtures (W10, D6, L3). His assistants are Christian Leicher and Christian Gittelmann. The VAR is Guido Winkmann.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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