Head coach Peter Bosz reflected on that ahead of the game: "I don't think we can surprise each other any more. Above all, we saw in Berlin that Union are good opponents who are powerful and direct." The Werkself won the game in the second half of the season at the Alte Försterei Stadium 3-2 in the fourth minute of added time.
The team from Köpenick have been the most impressive of the newly promoted teams in the current Bundesliga campaign and they already have 30 points. The team coached by Urs Fischer have beaten Germania Halberstadt (6-0), Bundesliga side SC Freiburg (3-1) and SC Verl (1-0) in the DFB Cup. Now the Berliners are in the second cup quarter-final in the club's history against the Black and Reds, who are also enjoying a very successful this term.
Bosz sees one reason for the improvement of the Werkself in the second half of the season in the flexibility of his team – both from game to game as well as within a match. "I expect my players to read the game. Of course, we train every day and discuss everything. But in a game it can always happen that something else is suddenly required," said the Dutchman who will probably have to make do without captain Lars Bender for this game in addition to long-term injury Kevin Volland (ankle). Bosz: "We’re training this afternoon. But I don't think Lars will be able to join in."
Across all competitions, the Werkself have recentlyclocked up nine wins and one draw with only the Bundesliga clash at TSG Hoffenheim ending in defeat (1-2). Bayer 04 are not short of confidence. "If you also see how we played in those games – then it was very mature. You can say we've become more solid," said Bosz.
One unavoidable issue in professional football in recent weeks has been the debate about defamatory material in Germany's football grounds. Bayer 04 have adopted a clear position in this respect: The club, according to press officer Dirk Mesch, have great trust in their own fans as well as the supporters of Union Berlin that no such insulting banners will be seen at the BayArena. Criticism should be possible but always on a suitable and constructive basis. Bayer 04, Mesch continued, is in close contact with the DFB and fan representatives. In the event of any relevant incidents, Bayer 04 will adhere to the FIFA three-stage plan.
Match information:
Attendance: Bayer 04 expect 20,000 supporters at the BayArena
Broadcaster: Sport1, Sky (TV), Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: Benjamin Cortus (Röthenbach)
A new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
Show morePreparations for the 2025/26 season at Bayer 04 start next Monday, 7 July, with the first team and youth players training together. Without the international players who were involved with their national teams at the end of last season, new head coach Erik ten Hag will welcome a group of senior and youth players to the first open training session one week ahead of the departure to the training camp in Rio de Janeiro. After the official welcome in the dressing room, the Werkself players will start the session in the shadow of the BayArena on 7 July at 14:00 CEST.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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