The Werkself travel to Ingolstadt, currently deep in a relegation battle in their second season in the top flight but still hopeful of escaping the drop. After a poor start, coach Maik Walpurgis has improved matters but a title-winning finish is required the Bavarian club. Here's the lowdown on our next opponents.
Position
Ingolstadt have their backs to the wall. In spite of last weekend's 0-0 draw away to the impressive RB Leipzig they are still four points away from the play-off spot. However, Ingolstadt refused to give up. Indeed they want to use their role as underdogs in the battle to stay up and continue the successful trend under Walpurgis. There are three games to play and, during a busy run of fixtures in March, FCI showed what they are capable of; picking up maximum points in three games. However, the next three outings produced just one point.
Personnel
A key player returns at just the right time for the season run-in: Pascal Groß. The midfield maestro was badly missed in Saxony but it remains to see what role he will perform against the Werkself. It could be further forward or perhaps somewhat more defensive as both Roger (five bookings) and Alfredo Morales (two yellows in one game) are suspended. Matthew Leckie, who went off early against Leipzig with suspected concussion, is expected to return.
Problems
As the next-to-bottom team, FCI have a number of worries but one stands out: Ingolstadt have failed to shine at home this season. They have an average of one point per game at the Audi Sportpark giving them the worst home record in the Bundesliga. That has to change for them to be in with a chance of staying up.
Potential
In spite of all the difficulties: "Our will remains unbroken!" In saying that, Marcus Suttner speaks for the whole team. FCI have clocked up over 500 fouls making them the second most aggressive team in the top flight after Hamburg SV. Ingolstadt are prepared to get stuck in and that is certainly a requirement to come out on top in a relegation battle.
Prediction
Stefan Lex hits the nail on the head: "Every match is a final now." That it is exactly the right approach for Ingolstadt's last three games if they are to have a chance of staying in Germany's top flight for a third year in succession. A look at the remaining fixtures:The clash with the Werkself is followed by an away game at Freiburg before the final match of the campaign against Schalke. Maik Walpurgis is confident: "We're not going down!"
The second international break of the 2025/26 season will begin after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin (Saturday, 4 October, 15:30 CEST). The latest information on call-ups.
Show moreAlejo Sarco and Argentina won their second group match at the U20 World Cup in Chile on Wednesday night. They beat Australia 4-1 with Sarco setting the tone early with a goal in the third minute. As in the first group game against Cuba, where Sarco scored twice, the 19-year-old was also named "Player of the Match" against Australia.
Show moreSecond game, second draw in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26: The Werkself were held to a 1-1 draw by Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on matchday two in the league phase. After an early but brief setback in the form of an offside goal by Ivan Perisic for the visitors (5'), the Werkself took control and created numerous good chances in the first half. Leverkusen took a deserved lead after the break in the 65th minute through Christian Kofane. However, PSV's Ismael Saibari replied a few minutes later to level at 1-1 (72').
Show moreIn the second match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, the Werkself host PSV Eindhoven this Wednesday evening, 1 October (kick-off: 21:00 CEST/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). PSV have injury problems but are in confident mood after winning two consecutive league titles. PSV coach Peter Bosz and keeper Matej Kovar are two familiar faces who have fond memories of their Bayer 04 days. The latest information on the UCL match at the BayArena can be found in out matchday news.
Show moreBayer 04 beat PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on matchday two to clock up the next three points in the UCL Youth League 2025/26. In front of just under 500 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, the visitors from the Netherlands led at half-time, but the Werkself turned the game round in the second 45. That makes it two wins on the bounce after the victory in Copenhagen.
Show more