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.
Bayer 04 have transferred U19 midfielder Emmanuel Chigozie Owen to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.
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Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.
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The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.
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