The Werkself are today aiming to qualify for a European semi-final for the first time since 2001/02. A note in the margins: Bayer 04 have won all of the last three second leg games on the road in the knockout stages of the Europa League - that includes the two second leg matches against AS Monaco (play-offs) and Ferencvaros (Round of 16) in the current campaign.
At the same time, the Werkself have not won any of the last three European away games (1 draw, 2 defeats). That also includes the 1-0 defeat to Club Brugge in this season’s Champions League group stage. The only away victory for Bayer 04 in Belgium was in the Champions League in November 1997 with a 2-0 win at Lierse SK.
For anyone unable to be at the game: RTL is showing the game live on Free TV with the broadcast starting at 20.15 CEST. As ever, Werkself Radio is also available. The audio broadcast starts 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick and Niko Hartmann. The live text update service will also ensure that you can keep up to speed with the game. Both Werkself Radio and the live text updates can be found at bayer04.de as well as on the Bayer 04 app – tune in.
UEFA has appointed Antonio Mateu Lahoz as the match referee. For the 46-year-old Spaniard, who has been in charge of three Champions League games this season, this is the third match involving the Werkself. He will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Pau Cebrian Devis and Roberto del Palomar with Ricardo de Burgos - also from Spain - in action as the VAR official.
Union Saint-Gilloise maintained their challenge for top spot in the Jupiler Pro League at the weekend with a 2-1 win against bottom-of-the-table RFC Seraing who are already relegated. However, the team in second place will need the help of RSC Charleroi in the final full matchday in the league on Sunday. Further information on the forthcoming opponents can be found in the lowdown on the next opponents.
Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.
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Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.
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Opening opponents, derby weekends, the opponents in the season finale: This information and more will be available to Bayer 04 fans on Thursday, 2 July, when the 2026/27 Bundesliga fixture list is published.
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The next footballing highlight is just around the corner: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament, will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico and feature 48 teams for the first time. Bayer04.de has all the latest on the Werkself players called up to represent their countries.
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While the majority of the Bayer 04 Women are enjoying their summer break, nine Werkself players will be on duty for their national teams in the coming days. Three of them are competing for a place at the World Cup, while six are involved in two friendlies with the Germany U23 team.
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