
What’s the latest news ahead of the home game against Mainz? What have the coaches said? And what’s new with the other Bayer 04 teams? The BayArena Aktuell match magazine (in German) is now online for the all the key information on the clash with Mainz 05.
Click HERE for the online edition.

Benjamin Cortus is in charge of today’s match at the BayArena. The Nuremberg-born referee has officiated in Germany’s top flight since 2016. Today’s game is his fourth involving the Black and Reds - the Werkself have won three and drawn one. His assistants are Florian Heft and Thomas Gorniak, the fourth official is Sven Waschitzki.
The secret has been out for a few hours now, Werkself fans finally know what the new home kit for next season looks like. “All in black” is the motto. Before Kai Havertz and Co. run out in their new kit today, you can get hold of the shirt from the online shop. Further information on the new kit is available HERE.
Ahead of the meeting with Mainz, Bayer 04 are again broadcasting ‘Spieltag – Die Show’. Joining in this time are André Ramalho (RB Salzburg) and Dario Kresic, who ended his playing career in the summer of 2017. The two guests are ideal candidates to analyse this match: The duo played for the Werkself and Mainz in the past – they were both in the Leverkusen squad in 2015/16. The broadcast starts at 15.00 CET and the show will be presented live by Mara on the Bayer 04 YouTube channel.


In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
Show more
Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
Show more
The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
Show more
The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.
Show more