Bayer 04 are in the last eight of Germany's domestic cup competition for the sixteenth time in the club's history. The Werkself are just two steps away from a big target, two steps away from a thrilling final in the capital. That is what Heiko Herrlich and his players are aiming for. Kevin Volland and captain Lars Bender spoke for the whole team when they said: "It would be a dream come true to get to the final."
Bayer 04 are two wins away from Berlin and the next hurdle promises to be an exciting encounter: The tie against Werder Bremen at the BayArena on Tuesday 6 February kicks off at 20.45 CET. This all-or-nothing game against the Green and Whites is anything but a foregone conclusion. Werder are looking to move up to mid-table in the Bundesliga and they lost 1-0 away to the Werkself in December (goalscorer Lucas Alario celebrates above). However, it is clear Bremen under new coach Florian Kohfeldt have grown enormously in strength and confidence, which they demonstrated on the penultimate Bundesliga matchday when they gave Bayern Munich a run for their money at the Allianz Arena up to the final stages of the game that they ended up losing 4-2.
Bayer 04 are obviously looking for the fans to help get them through to the semi-finals. Leverkusen did lose out at the quarter-final stage of the DFB Cup two years ago at home to Bremen. The match at the BayArena ended in a 3-1 defeat. Chicharito put the Black and Reds 1-0 up from the penalty spot before Garcia, Pizarro and Grillitsch turned the game round for the visitors. "We were too ponderous after taking the lead," said sporting director Rudi Völler back then.
The Werkself will be determined not to repeat that performance this time round. So the maxim for Tuesday 6 February is: Full speed ahead for the semi-finals, all together for the penultimate match on the the road to Berlin.
Tickets for the Bremen Cup tie are available
- online at the ticket webshop
- by phone on 0049 (0)214 5000 1904
- in person at the Service Counter OST (BayArena, Bismarckstraße 122-124) and at the Bayer 04 shops in Leverkusen City, Bergisch Gladbach and Solingen
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.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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