Bayer 04 and Heidenheim are meeting for only the fourth time in the German top flight, and the Werkself have won all three so far. The last encounter earlier this season ended in a 5-2 victory, with Patrik Schick netting a hat-trick. Talking of goals: Bayer have scored a total of 11 goals in three games against FCH - only against SSV Ulm 1846 (13 goals) did the Werkself find the net more times in their first three league meetings. Heidenheim, meanwhile, haven't conceded more goals in their first three Bundesliga matches against any other opponents.
On the road, Bayer 04 remain unbeaten in their last 30 Bundesliga away outings (W22, D8). That's the second-longest run in the league's history after Bayern Munich's 33-match streak from April 2012 to March 2014. Now the best away team (29 points) meet the weakest home team (10 points) in this Bundesliga season at the Voith-Arena, which lies 555 metres above sea level.
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 were bottom of the table a few weeks ago and had already been written off by many football pundits. The second Bundesliga season for the club from Baden-Württemberg appeared to be over. But long-serving coach Frank Schmidt's side have now climbed into the play-off spot thanks to a three-match unbeaten run and go into this Saturday's clash with the Werkself with confidence. More on the strengths, weaknesses and key players of today's hosts in the opposition profile.
The Werkself will be backed by 2,000 fans in Heidenheim. As usual the Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team have put together all relevant information for those travelling - HERE is the fan information.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Tobias Stieler for this fixture. The 43-year-old referee has overseen 31 competitive matches involving Leverkusen to date, with a record of 25 wins, three draws and three defeats. Assisting Stieler today are Christian Gittelmann and Mark Borsch, with Pascal Müller as the VAR.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended Abdoulaye Faye’s contract by a further year to 30 June 2031. During the 2026/27 season, the talented defender will play for Celta Vigo on loan without an option to buy. The 21-year-old Senegalese is set to feature in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League with last season’s sixth-placed side in Spain.
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The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme on day one (Sunday 2 August) includes a media round with managing director sport Simon Rolfes, free time for the team after the friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen and before an intensive week of training begins, as well as a coffee get-together where CEO Fernando Carro and Rolfes met around 100 fans in the afternoon.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
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A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.
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With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
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