The only previous competitive encounters between Feyenoord and the Werkself came in the 1987/88 UEFA Cup as Leverkusen progressed 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16 en route to lifting the trophy.
Tonight’s game is being played at the legendary Stadion Feijenoord, better known as De Kuip, which translates as ‘the tub’ due to the shape of its roof. It’s the second largest stadium in the Netherlands and holds the record for hosting the most European finals with 10 across the European Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Cup, European Championship, and most recently the 2023 UEFA Nations League final.
Like Bayer 04, Feyenoord have also won silverware already this season as the Eredivisie runners-up and KNVB Cup winners beat champions PSV Eindhoven on penalties to lift the Dutch Super Cup.
Feyenoord are one of Dutch football’s biggest names alongside the likes of Ajax and PSV. They won their 16th league title in 2022/23 before finishing second last term. It’s their seventh participation in the Champions League. They are yet to lose in the Eredivisie this season and are unbeaten in 24 across multiple seasons, but they have only won one of their fixtures so far this term, drawing the other three to sit sixth in the table. Find out more about Feyenoord in our in-depth analysis.
Due to the potentially heated nature of this match, Bayer 04 asks all fans to behave peacefully and responsibly in the stadium and in the Rotterdam city area. Bayer 04 would also ask all fans to behave in a level-headed manner in the run-up to the match to prevent conflict situations from arising in the first place. The following conditions are to be expected on site:
Bayer 04 will do everything in its power to make the match an atmospheric and, above all, peaceful football festival. Together with hosts Feyenoord, with whom Bayer 04 has a trusting relationship, the support of the fans is also requested.
A total of 2,500 fans are expected to make the trip from Leverkusen to Rotterdam. The Bayer 04 fan liaison team have put together key information on the game for travelling supporters. Find out more HERE.
Those fans who can’t be in Rotterdam can follow updates from the build-up to the game in our live blog HERE.
UEFA have appointed Davide Massa as tonight’s referee. The 43-year-old Italian has overseen three previous Werkself fixtures, with a win, draw and loss each. His assistants are compatriots Filippo Meli and Stefano Alassio. The VAR is Aleandro Di Paolo.
Werkself Radio is available for anyone unable to be at the game. The German audio broadcast starts 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Niko Hartmann Cedric Pick. In addition, the live text update service will keep fans up to date on bayer04.de and the Bayer 04 app.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
Show more
With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
Show more
Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-0 victory in the friendly match against Rot-Weiss Essen...
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Kennet Eichhorn for the time being. Following specialist medical examinations, the new signing from Berlin has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder requiring treatment. This was preceded by excessive physical strain and weight loss, partly as a result of a gastrointestinal condition.
Show more
A successful fourth preseason friendly ahead of the start of the training camp: The Werkself secured a 3-0 victory over Rot-Weiss Essen at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The goals in what was a commanding and dominant performance by Leverkusen from the outset were scored by Ibrahim Maza (8'), Patrik Schick from the penalty spot (23’) and, in the second half, Montrell Culbreath with a header (79’). The team set off for their training camp in Blankenhain in the Weimarer Land region after the game.
Show more
