Three matches in seven days. After the 5-1 home defeat against FC Bayern and the successful test of strength at Real Betis (1-1), the Black and Reds return to Bundesliga action at FC Köln. "I'm expecting a game full of challenges and high intensity," declared Gerardo Seoane at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon who is only missing the injured trio of Julian Baumgartlinger, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Charles Aránguiz.
The last two matches against FC Bayern and the Spanish club from Andalusia have left their marks. But the Swiss boss is satisfied after yesterday's Europa League away game at the Estadio Benito Villamarin: "We wanted to be compact and that's what we did. It was an attractive and entertaining game for the spectators with highs and lows on both sides."
The Werkself, who returned from southern Spain in the early hours of Friday, now face the derby – and in circumstances that have not existed for a long time in this fixture between the two clubs: For the first time since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the clash between these two rivals from the Rhine will take place with supporters in the stands. The FC Köln ground of the RheinenergieSTADION will be sold out with 50,000 fans at the match.
Also due to this atmosphere, Seoane says "Control of emotions is an important subject. Bundesliga matches are always intensive – but there's more emotion with derby games." Therefore the object is, "to keep calm and stand firm."
A former Köln player will be in the Werkself team in the shape of youngster Florian Wirtz. The 18-year-old playmaker has already played two derbies with the Bayer Cross on his shirt (4-0, 3-1) albeit without a win in front of fans due to the pandemic. "Flo knows it will be a special match for the fans. He will prepare accordingly," said Seoane. "Emotions are part of this business. The fans can express their feelings. We can deal with that."
On the opponents, who currently lie seventh in the Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 head coach said: "Köln are powerful and brave and they are very good at pressing. Their aggressive approach to the game could help us. We have to get out of those situations and then benefit from our pace." With that in mind, the fourth derby win in succession should be on the cards.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-0 win against Union Berlin on the 6th matchday of the Bundesliga 2025/26...
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Several fan clubs were honoured at half-time during the Werkself’s Bundesliga game at home to Union Berlin on Saturday. CEO Fernando Carro and record appearance-maker Rüdiger Vollborn gave thanks to fan clubs marking their 10th and 15th anniversary.
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Bayer 04 got their third win under Kasper Hjulmand thanks to goals in either half from Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane to earn a 2-0 victory at home to Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
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Bayer 04 put their unbeaten record under Kasper Hjulmand on the line as they host Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday (3.30pm CEST). However, the visitors have proven they can be dangerous on the break and clinical in front of goal. Today’s game also sees a voluntary survey on fan mobility and honours for fan clubs. Here’s all you need to know in our matchday news.
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We are taking the Day of German Unity and the anniversary as an opportunity to tell a story that befits the subject - that of Falko Götz. The long-serving player, who currently works in scouting at Bayer 04, spoke to bayer04.de about his youth in the GDR, his escape during an away game in Belgrade and how he identifies with Bayer 04.
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