The Werkself have met Liverpool in four competitive matches to date, all of them in the Champions League. After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the 2001/02 quarter-final, Bayer 04 won 4-2 in the second leg to progress. That was the only previous victory over the Reds, for whom it was also their last defeat against German opponents in Europe.
Two further encounters followed in the 2004/05 campaign, with the English side winning both and also going on to win Europe's most prestigious title. Xabi Alonso was a Liverpool player at that time but missed the games against the Werkself through injury. There's an in-depth feature on Alonso's return to his former stomping ground HERE.
In the current Champions League season, the Reds sit second in the league phase table with nine points from three matches. After starting with a 3-1 victory at AC Milan, Arne Slot's side beat Bologna 2-0 at home before a 1-0 win at RB Leipzig. Liverpool have led longer in games than any other team, although Bayer 04 are one of six teams who are yet to trail in a Champions League game this term.
It's been an impressive start to life under Slot. The Dutchman, who moved from Feyenoord in the summer as Jürgen Klopp's successor, is shining on all fronts. The Merseyside club recently reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup and are top of the Premier League, where they boast the fewest goals conceded. The attack is firing on all cylinders too: Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 12 goals in the first 10 matches, Luis Diaz in seven. Not to mention other prominent names like Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota. The Bayer 04 defence must therefore be prepared for a busy night at Anfield. More on tonight's opponents here.
For all Werkself fans following the game in Liverpool, Bayer 04 partner weloveholidays has summarised the best travel tips for the top attractions in the big city in the English north-west. You can find the article HERE.
For those who can't be there, you can also follow the Werkself's trip in our live blog HERE.
There will be a minute's silence before kick-off in memory of the victims of the flood disaster in eastern Spain. The players of both teams and the referees will also wear black armbands. The region around the city of Valencia was hit by severe flooding last week, killing over 200 people and leaving many more still missing.
UEFA has appointed Danny Makkelie for tonight's fixture. The 41-year-old Dutchman has overseen three competitive matches involving the Werkself to date (two wins, one draw). Makkelie is assisted by compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan den Vries on the touchlines, and Rob Dieperink as VAR.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.
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Video games developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga ‘Player of the Month’ award for September – Bayer 04’s Miguel Gutiérrez has made it into this select group after just four Bundesliga matches. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 27 September (23:59 CEST).
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Calling Bayer 04 fans: The 2026/27 campaign will really pick up pace after the international break – and if you want to get your hands on a very special Black and Red souvenir in time, now is your chance. Jerseys signed by Werkself players such as Patrik Schick and Edmond Tapsoba are now available via the web shop. It’s worth being quick, as the offer is valid only whilst stocks last.
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