Live blog: Werkself away at FC Copenhagen

+++ 17 September, 16:03: Ready for departure ✈️ +++

The Bayer 04 squad - as usual in the UCL in chic Lerros outfits - has arrived at the airport and is about to board the plane. The team charter flight will take around one and a half to two hours en route to Copenhagen-Kastrup Airport. We say: Airplane mode on and see you later!

+++ 17 September, 14:00: The squad for the UCL match in Copenhagen +++

Nathan Tella picked up a knock in the game against Frankfurt and will not travel to Copenhagen. Following the injury to Exequiel Palacios, Jeanuel Belocian has been called up to the UCL squad and he will be on board.

+++ 17 September, 13:57: Final training session +++

Greetings from the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The players go through their paces in the final pre-match training session. It was a pleasant 17 degrees out on the pitch and they got down to business one last time before their departure. The 15-minute open part of the session included warm-up and agility routines, followed by passing practice. On the other side of the pitch, the three goalkeepers trained diligently between the posts with goalkeeping coach David Thiel.

The lads will have lunch together straight after the session before the team bus sets off for Cologne Bonn Airport.

+++ 17 September, 13:26: Media interview with Rolfes +++

The first team have started their final pre-match training session, and we'll have more on that in a moment! But first of all, the most important statements from managing director sport Simon Rolfes, who spoke to the media on the sidelines at the training pitch before the start of the session. Among other things, the 43-year-old said: "The Champions League is always something special. The league phase has shown how important every game, every point and every goal is. What surprised us last year - compared to previous group stages - was that the favourites weakened. We are now looking forward to a good opponent and a great stadium with a great football atmosphere. We have to be wide awake from the very first second. Copenhagen have good processes and lots of confidence. We have to show strength and commitment."

+++ 17 September, 13:05: Final training session for the U19s +++

The U19s started their final session ahead of the UEFA Youth League opener right on time at noon. The hour-long final training session under the direction of new head coach Kevin Brok on one of the training pitches next to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium has just come to an end. The warm-up was a lot of fun, but the subsequent game forms were all about full focus! Now it's off to the showers for the boys, then to lunch together and finally on the team bus to Cologne Bonn Airport. You can find all the information and comments on the Youth League match in Denmark's capital under the following link.

U19 PREVIEW

By the way: This first Youth League clash of the current season will be streamed live on bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app. Niko Hartmann from Werkself Radio will be in action as the match commentator.

+++ 17 September, 11:47: Get in the mood with a tour pass and Spotify playlist +++

Incidentally, the motto of our Champions League journey this season is ‘Sound of Dreams - #aCROSS Europe 2025/26’. Every UCL matchday will be like a concert - the stadium will be the stage, you will be our audience and the opponents will be the co-actors. Together we will create unforgettable gigs, whether in Leverkusen or at the big arenas across Europe. With the Sound of Dreams we bring football and music together - full of energy, emotion and real goosebumps.

There is a special tour pass available at the Fanwelt, which you can use to fill stickers in for every UCL match and benefit from exclusive promotions. In addition, a specially created, matching Spotify playlist will get you in the right mood for the Champions League. You can find the playlist and all information about the Tour Pass HERE.

+++ 17 September, 10:21: Travel tips for fans in Copenhagen +++

In the meantime, a tip for all travelling Bayer 04 fans: Whether it's Tivoli, Nyhavn or Rosenborg Castle - Copenhagen is a great place to pass the time before tomorrow's game. Would you like an overview of the best sightseeing tips for the Danish capital? No problem! 😉👇

TRAVEL TIPS

+++ 17 September, 09:04: We're ready to go +++

Good morning, Werkself fans! The first European trip of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 starts today and takes Bayer 04 to FC Copenhagen. And this is the schedule for the day: The Werkself kick off proceedings with the final training session at 13:00 CEST at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The first 15 minutes are open to media representatives and will also be broadcast live on the club YouTube channel. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes will also speak to the media shortly before the start of training - the key statements will of course be available here.

After lunch following the session, the Bayer 04 squad - including the U19 squad for tomorrow's UEFA Youth League opener - will travel to the airport for the flight to Copenhagen. After landing, head coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Mark Flekken will head straight to the pre-match press conference at the Parken Stadium. A full programme - and, of course, we'll take you with us every step of the way.