The new coronavirus protection order for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia came into effect yesterday (Wednesday) immediately introduces the 2G rule (proof of vaccination or recovery) in the areas of culture and entertainment. This also applies to sporting events. Bayer 04 have already operated the 2G rule for Werkself home games for some time. The new factor is: The 2G rule now applies to people aged 16 and above. Here are the home game FAQs.
In addition to digital proof of vaccination or recovery, official photo ID (identity card, passport or driving licence) must be presented at the stadium entry points. Access to the BayArena will only be permitted on production of the two documents.
UEFA have appointed the Greek referee Anastasios ‘Tasos’ Sidiropoulos for tonight’s game. The 42-year-old has already been in charge of 20 Europa League matches including a 4-0 win for the Werkself against Slavia Prague almost ten years ago. It is the second match in the current Europa League campaign for Sidiropoulos. Have a good game.
Werkself LIVE will be available at tonight’s home game against the Scots at the BayArena – alternatively you can view the free matchday magazine online. The new Bayer 04 flyer provides interesting stats and facts on the match between the Werkself and team second in the Scottish Premiership. In addition there is a poster of the Ecuadorian summer signing Piero Hincapie on the reverse. HERE is the e-paper.
The Werkself and Celtic had never met before the meeting at the end of September – the Seoane team could maintain a perfect record against the top Scottish side with a win tonight. The omens are good.
Today’s visitors have not done at all well on German soil to date: 6 of their 7 seven away games in Germany in the Europa League or the UEFA Cup ended in defeat (1 draw), most recently against RB Leipzig in October 2018. On the other hand, Bayer 04 have not lost a single game in 14 home matches in the Europa League group stages (11 wins, 3 draws). No other team in the history of the competition has played as many games at home without losing a single match.
In addition to the Europa League match, Thursday is also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. For three years, the Werkself have joined together with the Zonta Club Leverkusen in supporting the worldwide campaign ‘Orange your City’.
In the past, the BayArena has been light up in orange for the whole evening along with other buildings in Leverkusen such as the Water Tower, the Museum Morsbroich and the Christuskirche church in Wiesdorf to make a clear statement against violence against women.
Bayer 04 are again supporting the campaign this year. However, it is not possible to light up the stadium due to the Europa League match but the Werkself remain in full support of the campaign.
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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