
While the Werkself have lost just one of their last seven games, Freiburg have done their best work at home and are unbeaten in 10 at the Europa-Park Stadion, winning the last four. Last season it took a classic Laterkusen comeback to turn around a 2-0 deficit there. Like Jonathan Tah’s equaliser in 2024/25, Bayer 04’s second in this term’s 2-0 win was a header, this time from Edmond Tapsoba. The 10 headed goals Freiburg have conceded in 2025/26 is the highest total in the Bundesliga. It’s a weakness that the likes of Tapsoba and Jarell Quansah could punish again. The pair also know they have a goalkeeper behind them in top form. Janis Blaswich has saved 85 percent of shots he’s faced this season, which is the best rate of all keepers in Germany’s top flight.
Defending is generally Freiburg’s strength. Led by the experienced duo of Matthias Ginter and Christian Günter, their rearguard has made the difference several times, especially at home. Schuster’s men have also showed mental resilience, earning 15 points this season from losing positions – second only to Bayern Munich. Igor Matanovic and Vincenzo Grifo are the joint-leading scorers with six goals apiece as the Black Forest club – like Bayer 04 – continue to compete across three competitions. Find out more about Freiburg in our opposition profile.

Around 1,900 fans will be making the journey from Leverkusen to Germany’s southwest corner this Saturday.
The German FA (DFB) have appointed Benjamin Brand to oversee the game. It’s the 36-year-old’s 11th involving the Werkself, including the 3-1 win at RB Leipzig this season. Thomas Stein and Marco Achmüller are the assistants, with Günter Perl the VAR.

From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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