Special encounters at the first away game: The new head coach at Borussia Mönchengladbach this season is Gerardo Seoane, the predecessor of Werkself coach Xabi Alonso. Speaking at yesterday's pre-match press conference, the Spaniard said it will be the first time the two have met and that he is looking forward to it. In addition, two Bayer 04 new signings will meet up with some very familiar faces this evening: Granit Xhaka played for the Foals from 2012 to 2016, Jonas Hofmann from 2016 to the summer of 2023. The clubs have previously met 105 times (43 wins, 32 draws, 30 defeats). The last fixture was in May when the game ended all square at 2-2.
The Foals are currently in a state of flux. A number of new players plus a new head coach have been brought in to get Borussia moving up the table again after two disappointing seasons. Gladbach were unable to pick up three points in their first outing this term with the opening match against FC Augsburg producing an action-packed 4-4 draw. A difficult to predict a result that showed the Foals knew how to score but at the same time are susceptible in defence. Borussia were 3-1 up against FC Augsburg before going 4-3 down and only saving a point with a penalty in added time (90+7'). Further information on the Foals is available in our lowdown on the next opponents.
The German Football Association (DFB) has put the experienced referee Christian Dingert in charge of today's game. For the 43-year-old match official, this will be his thirteenth game involving the Werkself (five wins, three draws, five defeats).Dingert will be assisted by Benedikt Kempkes and Nikolai Kimmeyer on the touchlines and Felix Zwayer is on VAR duty.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's away game at Borussia Mönchengladbach. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick and Philip Konrad (RTL football commentator). 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 at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app – just log on.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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