The approach is clear as coach Peter Bosz explained to the members of the media at the pre-match press conference: "We need the points and we want to be in the competition after the winter break so we have to win," said the 55-year-old, who is well aware of the minimal chance of going through to the Champions League knockout stages, "but we will keep trying as long as the chance is there."
The Werkself have no points after three games and, with a goal difference of one for and six against, are in fourth place but they did perform well in the match in the Spanish capital. "We looked good there, worked hard and were very compact," said Bayer 04 defender Sven Bender at the press conference. "We saw that we can cause problems for Madrid with the way we play. We have the means to win a game like that against Atletico."
As in the last Bundesliga game against Borussia Mönchengladbach (1-2), coach Bosz has a full squad to choose from with the exception of the injured Daley Sinkgraven and skipper Lars Bender. Charles Aránguiz, who came on in the second half against Mönchengladbach, is fit again and is ready to play against Atletico who are currently second behind Juventus on seven points. "Everybody knows he's a good and important player for us. It will do us good to have him back," said Bosz whose anticipation ahead of the game is as great as his player Sven Bender feels.
The Werkself number five declared: "It's the Champions League. As a young boy, you dream about games like this. In these games you have to be there, give everything and try to go the extra mile. But you can enjoy it as well. If everything goes right then we have a chance of winning. And that's what we want to do!"
Anyone who wants to get into the mood before kick-off should make sure they catch the pre-match show with Stefan Kießling and Patrick Helmes. The two legendary strikers will look back at past highlights in the Champions League and share their predictions for the clash with Atletico. The show kicks off at 19.40 CET and can be seen on YouTube, Facebook and Bayer 04 TV.
Match information:
Attendance: Bayer 04 are expecting a sell-out in the home areas at the BayArena.
Referee: Damir Skomina (Slovenia)
Live TV broadcaster: DAZN
Matchday hashtag: #B04Atleti
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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On Monday evening, 8 June, around 250 people came to the Bürgerhaus Baumberg at the invitation of Bayer 04 to find out details of the new plans for the campus on Alfred-Nobel-Straße at an information event. More compact, greener and with many advantages for Monheim am Rhein - those are the aims. There were lively discussions for around three hours and some misunderstandings were cleared up.
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Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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When Malik Tillman arrived at Bayer 04 Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven last summer, he did more than just add attacking midfield strength to the team — he reconnected the club with a unique and understated American lineage that stretches back more than three decades.
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Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
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