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.
Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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