The Werkself have won back-to-back Bundesliga games against Leipzig for the first time, although both came at the BayArena (2-0 and 3-2). On the road, it’s only two wins from seven encounters. However, Leipzig – usually so impressive at home – were beaten 1-0 by Eintracht Frankfurt at the Red Bull Arena last weekend, ending their run of 12 home league games unbeaten. The only time in their top flight history that Die Roten Bullen have lost consecutive home fixtures was in April 2018 under Ralph Hasenhüttl. One of the opponents back then was in fact Leverkusen, who claimed a 4-1 victory in Saxony.
Saturday’s hosts come into the game in fourth place on 33 points. They are also through to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League, but the two-time defending DFB Cup holders are out of that competition after a second-round defeat at Wolfsburg. Marco Rose’s side have dealt well with a large turnover of players in the summer. Lois Openda and Xavi Simons in particular have proven to be good transfers. The former has 11 goals and five assists from 17 Bundesliga games, while Simons boasts 13 goal contributions, of which nine are assists, ranking him joint-second in the division in that category. You can find out more about today’s opponents in our profile piece.
The Werkself will enjoy plenty of support in Leipzig with 2,900 Leverkusen fans making the journey. For those supporters in attendance, the Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team has summarised everything you need to know about today’s game at the Red Bull Arena HERE, including information on how to get there and who to speak to if required.
The German FA (DFB) have appointed Matthias Jöllenbeck as today’s referee. The 36-year-old has overseen three Werkself fixtures across all competitions before, with one win and two draws. His assistants are Robert Kemper and Jonas Weickenmeier. The VAR is Benjamin Brand.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast in German begins 30 minutes before kick-off. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text update service are available on bayer04.de and in the Bayer 04 app.
Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
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A first for the Werkself: Today, Thursday 15 October (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), Bayer 04 face Lech Poznan for the first time on matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League group. Although the Black and Reds have a flawless record against the only Polish opposition faced before, they must not underestimate the attacking ability and goal-scoring threat of the reigning champions from Poznan. Lech’s squad also includes two former Bundesliga players. Today's matchday news.
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Some 30 years on since their last European fixture in Poland, Bayer 04 cross the border for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the league phase on Thursday (kick-off: 18:45 CEST). Ahead of a first-ever meeting with Lech, head coach Carles Martínez and winger Nathan Tella spoke in Poznan about special memories and objectives.
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The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
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