focus on the Magpies
While Newcastle United have only recently really found their form in the Premier League, they are one point and six places ahead of the Werkself in the Champions League. In both competitions, however, coach Eddie Howe's team have shown a certain weakness away from home. The Magpies have repeatedly struggled with opponents who switch gears quickly and have lost four of their five UCL away games since returning to Europe's premier club competition in 2023/24. However, the reason for this is certainly not the defence built around the experienced Switzerland international Fabian Schär and Malick Thiaw, who arrived from AC Milan during the summer break: The Düsseldorf -born player, who also spent a year in the youth ranks at Bayer 04, is part of the third-best defence in the top flight and one of two Germans in the team - alongside shooting star Nick Woltemade. Having moved to Newcastle United from VfB Stuttgart in the summer, ‘Big Nick’, as he is affectionately known in England, has already scored seven times. Find out more about Newcastle United in our lowdown on our next opponents.
Sound of Dreams: THE Tour continues
Under the motto ‘Sound of Dreams - #aCROSS Europe 2025/26’, the Werkself and Bayer 04 fans are turning the Champions League into a festival. In addition to a special Champions League Spotify playlist before the match at the BayArena, there will also be an exclusive tour pass for the current UCL season, which all Bayer 04 Club members can secure at the Fanwelt. In the weeks of the individual Champions League matches, Tour Pass holders can also pick up the matching stickers at the Fanwelt and win great prizes at the end of the league phase.
Woltemade: "i'm looking forward to playing in Germany again"
After Kasper Hjulmand and Jarell Quansah for the Werkself (HERE is the pre-match press conference report), the Magpies also held their press conference at the BayArena. Coach Eddie Howe began by emphasising his satisfaction with his team's UCL season so far, but spoke of a "very difficult game against Bayer 04, because Leverkusen are a strong team. They have an exceptional style of play, great quality and a great stadium." He added: "They are also very flexible. We have to prepare intensively." Referring to his new striker Nick Woltemade, Howe said: "I'm very happy with Nick. He's a technically strong player and also a great person. He's easy to talk to and he makes people laugh."
"A great compliment," Woltemade was delighted with his coach's words and continued: "That's what I'm here for. I also want to be an entertainer on the pitch who people can enjoy watching." Looking ahead to the first game in his home country after moving to England, the 1.98 metre tall attacker said: "I'm really looking forward to playing in Germany again. But as a striker, it doesn't matter where you score goals, as long as you score them." He also expects a difficult game against the Werkself: "Although they have a lot of new players at the club, they always want to play football." With a laugh, ‘Big Nick’ added: "When I played at Leverkusen, I didn't touch the ball much. They were always so good."
Werkself Live
Do you want to be well prepared as the Werkself ahead of the Premier League match against the Magpies? Then take a look at the new Werkself Live. The matchday flyer, which provides key facts and stats on the game in compact form, is available at the BayArena. Alternatively, the flyer is also available digitally. This time on the XXL poster: Mark Flekken. Click HERE for the ePaper!
