25.04.2026Bundesliga

Matchday news #KOEB04: Over 5,000 Bayer 04 fans in Cologne

Bayer 04 head down the road to visit the RheinEnergieSTADION for the first time in over two years on Matchday 31 in the Bundesliga. That most recent game ended in a 2-0 win, just like the reverse fixture at the BayArena this season. The Werkself haven’t lost in Cologne since December 2019 and will have the support of 5,000 fans as they look to make it four straight victories in all competitions over their local rivals. Here’s all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s derby (15:30 CEST) in our matchday news.

#KOEB04: Match facts

The crowd inside the BayArena for the season’s first encounter with Köln back in December had to wait 66 minutes for the first goal, but it was worth the wait as Martin Terrier produced a scorpion kick to break the Billy Goats’ resolve. Captain Robert Andrich headed in a corner six minutes later to round off the 2-0 win. It was one of 20 goals the Werkself have scored from set pieces this term, which ranks third in the Bundesliga; Köln have conceded the second most with 22.

The result continued Leverkusen’s good recent record in the derby, winning each of the last four across all competitions and also keeping clean sheets in the last three Bundesliga meetings. However, Köln have managed to lift their form of late under interim coach René Wagner, now on a run of five Bundesliga games without defeat.

Martin Terrier’s scorpion kick set the Werkself on the way to derby victory in the reverse fixture.

Focus on Köln

The Billy Goats’ record over the last five Bundesliga games reads one win and four draws. It’s a turnaround in form that has lifted the Cologne club up to 12th in the table. Striker Luca Waldschmidt spoke after last weekend’s 1-1 draw with relegation rivals St. Pauli of an “important point for us”. Find out more about Köln ahead of the latest edition of the derby in our opposition profile.

Big support in Cologne

The Werkself can count on the backing of over 5,000 supporters making the short trip from Leverkusen as they look for another derby scalp.

Hartmann in charge

The German FA (DFB) have appointed Robert Hartmann to oversee this match. The Werkself have lost only three of the previous 21 games under the 46-year-old. His last Leverkusen fixture was the 3-1 win at Wolfsburg on Matchday 11 of this season. Making his derby debut, his assistants are Christian Leicher and Tobias Schultes. The VAR is Guido Winkmann.

Related News

Youth - 12.06.2026

U17 coach Benjamin Adam leaves Bayer 04 for Rostock

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.

Women - 10.06.2026

Women: International round-up - Wamser and Kramer in World Cup finals

There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.

Bayer 04 - 10.06.2026

Where to Watch the Bayer 04 Stars in North America

Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!

Bayer 04 - 09.06.2026

New seating for the BayArena - donation and reuse of existing seats

A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.