Matchday news #KOEB04: Away derby with 5,000 fans
On Matchday 24, Bayer 04 go to 1. FC Köln for an away derby. Kick-off at the RheinEnergieSTADION is at 15:30 CET today. The matchday news has all the info on the clash on the other side of the Rhine.
#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.
Related News
Women - 13.12.2025
Bayer 04 recognised as DFB talent support centre for women
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a women’s talent support centre. As announced by the DFB, 1 FC Köln, Union Berlin, RB Leipzig and Hamburger SV are also certified as performance or talent support centres from 1 January 2026 in addition to the Werkself.
Show more
Werkself-TV - 12.12.2025
Women: TV-highlights of 0-1 loss at Werder Bremen
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 0-1 loss at Werder Bremen on the 13th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
Show more
Bundesliga - 12.12.2025
Our next opponents: Köln with pace and power
1. FC Köln made a highly promising start to the season as a promoted team. Despite losing some key players to long-term injuries, Lukas Kwasniok's men are currently in mid-table in the Bundesliga. On Saturday 13 December (kick-off 18:30 CET), top scorer Said El Mala and Co will be looking to take something from the derby against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Women - 11.12.2025
Women in final Hinrunde game at Werder Bremen
The penultimate Bundesliga matchday of the calendar year marks the end of an eventful first half of the season for the Bayer 04 Women. After seven wins, one draw and four defeats from the first twelve games of the season, coach Roberto Pätzold's team can go above Werder Bremen in the table with a win on Friday, 12 December (kick-off: 18:30 CET).
Show more
