“We’re looking forward to the reunion with Paderborn in the second round. After the last sixteen encounter at the BayArena two years ago, we’ll take on this very ambitious second-tier side once again – this time away at Paderborn,” said Bayer 04 managing director sport Simon Rolfes. “Our goal is clear: we want to advance to the last sixteen at the end of October.”
Bayer 04 will announce the exact kick-off time and ticket information on its channels as soon as they are finalised.
The last-16 ties will be played on 2/3 December and the quarter-final matches will be staged on 3/4 and 10/11 February 2026, with the semi-finals to be played on 21/22 April 2026 before the final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on 23 May 2026.
The second-round ties at a glance:
FV Illertissen - 1. FC Magdeburg
FC Energie Cottbus - RB Leipzig
1. FC Union Berlin - DSC Arminia Bielefeld
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 - Hamburger SV
Borussia Mönchengladbach - Karlsruher SC
Hertha BSC - SV 07 Elversberg
SpVgg Greuther Fürth - 1. FC Kaiserslautern
Eintracht Frankfurt - Borussia Dortmund
SV Darmstadt 98 - FC Schalke 04
FC Augsburg - VfL Bochum 1848
Fortuna Düsseldorf - SC Freiburg
SC Paderborn 07 - Bayer 04 Leverkusen
1. FSV Mainz 05 - VfB Stuttgart
VfL Wolfsburg - Holstein Kiel
1. FC Köln - FC Bayern München
FC St. Pauli - TSG Hoffenheim
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
Show more
A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
Show more
After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
Show more
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
Show more
