Back
31.10.2022Champions League

Club Brugge home game 'good time to turn things round'

The Werkself entertain Club Brugge on Tuesday 1 November (kick-off: 18.45 CET) – and a good result is needed for the chance to play in Europe in the New Year. In the sixth and final group match in the UEFA Champions League, head coach Xabi Alonso is looking to take his team above Atlético Madrid into third place and also secure "a victory for our morale" as midfielder Nadiem Amiri declared.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We want to stay in Europe and give our fans another international home game," said head coach Xabi Alonso at the start of the press conference on Monday afternoon. "Being in the Europa League is very important for the team, the fans and the whole club. We will fight and give our all."

The following permutations are possible for the Werkself to finish third in Champions League Group B: If Bayer 04 win then a defeat or a draw for Atlético Madrid in Porto would be enough to finish third and thereby qualify for the knockout rounds of the Europa League. If the Alonso team only pick up one point against Club Brugge then the Madrid team would have to lose at Porto for Bayer 04 to remain in Europe.

Xabi Alonso does not want to think about that during the game. The Spaniard: "I won't follow the other game. We have to look to ourselves and we want to win to have as big a chance of possible of being in Europe in the New Year."

Aránguiz out– Demirbay may play

In addition to Florian Wirtz and Sardar Azmoun, head coach Xabi Alonso will also have to manage without the injured Karim Bellarabi and Charles Aránguiz. Daley Sinkgraven is not registered for the Champions League and Piero Hincapie is serving a one-match ban. A decision will be made after the afternoon training session regarding a place in the squad for Kerem Demirbay who did not play in the last two matches.

Amiri: "important for the morale of the team"

Xabi Alonso was joined at the press conference on Monday afternoon by Nadiem Amiri who also fielded questions from the media. There was "obvious disappointment" at going out of the Champions League but the team will give everything to get a win against Club Brugge. "The match is a good time to turn things round," said the Werkself number 11.

crop_20221031_FS_CLPK_47549.jpg

In the intense Champions League match at Atlético Madrid (2-2) there was a lack of energy in the 2-0 defeat in Leipzig but the Werkself are ready for Club Brugge who have already qualified to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Amiri stressed how important good recovery and lots of sleep is ahead of the game: "We are full of energy and we'll give our all."

Related News

Extreme Networks
Business - 12.10.2026

New network partner: Extreme Networks enters a five-year partnership

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.

Show more
Miguel Gutierrez
Bayer 04 - 11.10.2026

8 predecessors and 1 interview that made an impression: Facts & Fun with Miguel Gutiérrez | Werkself Magazine #56

New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #M05B04
Bundesliga - 10.10.2026

Matchday news #M05B04: Werkself on the road in Mainz

With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel beim 1. FSV Mainz 05 | 5. Bundesliga-Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 09.10.2026

Martínez ahead of Mainz clash: ‘Competitive games are what we really like’

Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.

Show more
Sheraldo Becker und Phillip Tietz
Bundesliga - 09.10.2026

Our next opponents: Deadly duo on form up front

FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more