Should the Werkself avoid defeat in Köpenick, they will equal the Bundesliga record for longest unbeaten start to a season. That is currently held by Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola in 2013/14 at 28 games, before a 1-0 loss in Augsburg on Matchday 29. That Guardiola side are also the only team ever to have more points after 27 matchdays than Leverkusen this year, with 77 instead of 73.
Bayer 04 have lost only one of their 12 competitive encounters with Union (W7, D4), which came in Berlin in January 2021 (1-0). However, the Werkself are without a win at the Alte Försterei since February 2020, earning only two of a possible nine points from the last three Bundesliga visits.
Life had only been positive for Union following their maiden Bundesliga promotion in 2019, achieving finishes of 11th, seventh, fifth and then fourth last season to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time ever. This term has been much tougher, though, and prompted the departure of long-time coach Urs Fischer in November 2023. Under successor Nenad Bjelica, the Irons reached the mid-point of the season in 15th place. Bjelica and his team have turned things around this year, earning 15 points from their 10 games in the second half of the campaign. Find out more about today’s opponents in our opposition profile.
Some 2,500 fans will be supporting the Werkself at the Alte Försterei, meaning the away section is sold out. As ever, the Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team has compiled key information ahead of this away game. You can find it all HERE.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Benjamin Brand as today’s referee. The 34-year-old has previously overseen six Werkself fixtures, producing four wins, one draw and one defeat. His assistants are Thomas Stein and Christian Dietz. Patrick Hanslbauer is the VAR.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today’s game. The German 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 updates are available at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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