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.
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
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