
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.

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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