The PreZero Arena has been a happy hunting ground for the Werkself to date. Leverkusen boast their highest win percentage away to TSG (65%) out all the teams who they've visited at least five times. Patrik Schick and Alejandro Grimaldo particularly enjoy playing against Hoffenheim - against no other team have the pair registered more goal involvements in the league (9 and 4 respectively). With the joint third-best attacks in the German top flight (both 34 goals) going head to head, it promises to be an attacking spectacle on Saturday afternoon. That was the case on the Werkself's last visit to the Kraichgau in September 2024, when the Black-and-Reds triumphed 4-1, with Martin Terrier's first goal for the club setting the course.
TSG carried their good form before the winter break into the new year with an impressive 5-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach in midweek. Christian Ilzer's side have now lost just one of their last 10 league matches. A number of their summer signings have impressed, not least in defence with Albian Hajdari, Bernardo and Vladimir Coufal. In attack, too, newcomers Tim Lemperle and Fisnik Asllani have shone alongside stalwart Andrej Kramaric. Ilzer has done a fine job of integrating after a summer of upheaval in the squad, creating an impressive team spirit and high intensity. If there are weaknesses, then they're vulnerability to the counter-attack and problems defending set pieces. Bayer 04 could capitalise on that with their pace in attack and defenders who are strong in the air. There's more on TSG in our comprehensive opposition analysis.
The Werkself can count on the vocal support of over 2,300 Bayer 04 supporters at the PreZero Arena. Some tickets will be available on the gate when the stadium opens at 13:30.
The Matchday 18 clash will be overseen by Daniel Schlager. Leverkusen have won eight of the 12 games that the 36-year-old has officiated, including the aforementioned victory at Hoffenheim last season. Schlager will be assisted on the touchlines by Sven Waschitzki-Günther and Tobias Fritsch, with Arne Aarnink 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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