Bayer 04 have had the edge in this fixture in recent years, winning 11 out of the last 14 Bundesliga meetings (D1, L2), which is the most the Werkself has won against any opponent since the start of 2018. Conversely, no other team has beaten Mainz more often in that period. Leverkusen have won each of the last three, but they face a 05ers team on a run of 12 home games unbeaten in the Bundesliga, which equals their club record and is currently the best streak in Germany’s top flight.
In fact, it’s been a very good season for Mainz in general. They boast 51 points from 33 games, which is the second-highest total in their Bundesliga history (55 in 2010/11). They are also on course to qualify for Europe for just the fourth time in their history, having last done so in 2016.
Their continental fate is more or less in their own hands on the final day. A win over the Werkself all but assures them a place in the UEFA Conference League play-offs. And if things were to really go their way, there’s even a chance they could overtake Borussia Dortmund into fifth and play in the UEFA Europa League.
It’s been a wild 12 months for Mainz. Last season they survived relegation by the skin of their teeth, but this term they were actually pushing for UEFA Champions League qualification. Bo Henriksen’s side have been solid at the back, boasting the joint-third-best defence in the division with 41 goals conceded (same as Leverkusen). Up front, Jonathan Burkardt’s 17 goals place him fourth in the Bundesliga scoring chart, while he’s formed an impressive trio alongside Paul Nebel (nine goals, six assists) and Jae-Sung Lee (seven goals, nine assists). Former Werkself man Nadiem Amiri makes things happen in midfield with his seven goals and six assists. Find out more about today’s opponents HERE.
Some 3,500 supporters will be making their way from Leverkusen to Mainz to cheer on the team. You can find all the latest information for travelling fans HERE.
The German FA (DFB) have appointed Tobias Reichel to oversee the final game of the season. The 39-year-old has previously taken charge of six competitive fixtures involving the Werkself (W4, D1, L1). His assistants are Christian Bandurski and Marcel Pelgrim; Matthias Jöllenbeck is the VAR.
This afternoon, Saturday 24 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayer 04 host SV Werder Bremen, who are winless in their last seven league games. Nevertheless, in their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they conceded a late equaliser, the Green and Whites did show their team spirit. The Werkself, led by birthday boy Patrik Schick, will be looking to counter this and secure their first three points of the new year on this ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Read on for the latest information in today's matchday news.
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Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win at 1. FC Union Berlin on the 15th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Despite a severely depleted squad and being a player down, the Bayer 04 Women made a winning start to their 2026 campaign. Coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 2-1 at newly promoted FC Union Berlin on Friday night thanks to a last-minute goal. Vanessa Fudalla scored from a direct free-kick (78') and Kristin Kögel (90+2’) in stoppage time for the Werkself, who were reduced to ten players on 68 minutes, on an atmospheric stage at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. As a result, the Black and Reds are now fifth in the table for at least one night at the start of matchday 15.
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The Werkself are looking for the first win of the new calendar year: Ahead of the sold-out Bundesliga home match against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about taking chances, possible winter transfers and a “Lion" returning to the Leverkusen matchday squad.
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