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.
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
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