Matchday news #KOEB04: Away derby with 5,000 fans

#KOEB04 – match facts

The two teams have met 90 times competitively to date, the Werkself coming out on top 35 times and Köln 25. In the last 11 seasons in which both teams have been in the Bundesliga, Bayer 04 have only won both meetings once (4-0 away and 3-0 at home in 2020/21). After the 3-0 win in the reverse fixture this season, the Werkself have the chance to do the double over their local rivals again.

Today's game sees the league's strongest defence face the weakest attack. Leverkusen have conceded just 16 goals so far, while the Billy Goats have scored the same number themselves.

focus on Köln

After parting company with Steffen Baumgart before Christmas, Köln appointed a new head coach at the start of the year in Timo Schultz. Since Schultz took over, the cathedral city club have collected seven points from seven Bundesliga outings, including a win against Eintracht Frankfurt and a point away to third-placed VfB Stuttgart last weekend. In that time the Billy Goats have climbed from 17th place to the relegation play-off spot, although they're eight points from 15th place and outright safety. There's more on today's opponents in our opposition profile.

5,000 Bayer 04 fans in cologne - info for supporters

The Werkself will be cheered on by 5,000 fans at the RheinEnergie STADION. As usual, the Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team have put together a guide on the away match HERE.

NORDKURVE12 FAN MARCH

At 12 noon there will be a fan march of the Nordkurve12 from the main railway station to Neumarkt. From there, special trams will take you to the stadium on the north side. Please note that boarding the special trains at Neumarkt will take some time. Please be patient and listen to the announcements of the police, Fan Liaison and the Cologne authorities.

Stieler in charge

The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Tobias Stieler as the referee for today's meeting. The 42-year-old has previously officiated 27 competitive matches involving the Werkself, with a record of 21 wins, three draws and three defeats. Assisting Stieler today are Christian Gittelmann and Marcel Unger on the touchlines and Günter Perl as the VAR.