Back
17.10.2016Champions League

'We have to focus on our strengths'

Roger Schmidt hit the nail on the head. “I think it will really get going tomorrow,” said the Werkself coach before adding: “Not much has happened in the group yet.” That can all change on Tuesday night when Bayer 04, third in the Bundesliga last term, entertain last season’s third-placed team from the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur. The match kicks off at 20.45 CET.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

The Werkself have a good record at the BayArena. Schmidt’s team have not lost any of the last eight European games at home and the hope is the run continues. “We have to show what we can do on the pitch,” said Jonathan Tah at the press conference ahead of matchday three in the group stage – looking back at the weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga.

Spurs will present the Werkself with a tough challenge. Tottenham are the only unbeaten team in England’s top flight and Roger Schmidt travelled to London to watch this week’s opponents secure a convincing 2-0 win at home to league leaders Manchester City. “I saw a great game and a team from London that invested a lot in attack. They are also very solid at the back and they don’t give much away,” said Schmidt.

It remains to be seen whether Lars Bender can recover in time from a bout of flu. “He’s a bit better but not 100 per cent fit. We’ll have to wait and see if he makes it,” said Schmidt. The skipper did take part in the final pre-match training session.

The ticket offices are open today. Category IV (€42, concessions €28) and category II (€60, concessions €44) tickets are available in the Leverkusen section in blocks B1, F6 and F8.

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

Women lose in Wolfsburg after a stunning goal by a former player | 20th matchday
Werkself-TV - 15.03.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-2 loss at VfL Wolfsburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-2 loss at VfL Wolfsburg on the 20th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Besprechung im Training
Women - 15.03.2026

'Match them as equals when it's 11 vs. 11': Women out for revenge at Wolfsburg for reverse fixture defeat

The Bundesliga home game against VfL Wolfsburg in the first half of the season was one of those classic ‘days to forget’ for Bayer 04 Women. It started with goalkeeper Charlotte Voll being shown a red card in the first minute of the game, and following a further sending-off, coach Roberto Pätzold's 9-women side ended up losing 5-1 to last season's runners-up. At 18.30 CET on Sunday, they'll have the chance to exact revenge at the AOK Stadium - and pick up valuable points in the race for third place.

Show more
Werkself miss out on victory in a thrilling match | 26th matchday
Werkself-TV - 14.03.2026

TV highlights of 1-1 draw against FC Bayern

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 1-1 draw against FC Bayern Munich on Matchday 26 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...

Show more
Montrell Cubreath gegen Konrad Laimer
Bundesliga - 14.03.2026

Werkself held to 1-1 draw by Bayern in eventful encounter

Bayer 04 were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Bayern Munich in an eventful Matchday 26 fixture in the Bundesliga. Aleix Garcia had given the Werkself the lead inside six minutes, but Bayern levelled in the second half through Luis Diaz, despite Nicolas Jackson having been send off before the break. Diaz was then dismissed himself as Leverkusen pushed for a winner, which failed to materialise as Jonas Hofmann saw a late goal ruled out.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04FCB
Bundesliga - 14.03.2026

Matchday news #B04FCB: Exploit weakness to extend unbeaten home run against Bayern

Bayern Munich come to the BayArena this Saturday with an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga as they look to take a step closer to the title. As imperious as they may seem, a weakness has emerged of late that the Werkself proved they can exploit in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League. Leverkusen are also looking to make it four Bundesliga home games unbeaten against the Bavarians. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the 15:30 CET kick-off in our matchday news.

Show more