Three matches, seven points, top spot. That is the almost perfect record for Bayer 04 from the first three games in the current Europa League campaign. The team under head coach Gerardo Seoane are still unbeaten on the European stage – as are Real Betis: The Green and Whites have the same number of points from the first three games but are behind the Werkself due to an inferior goal difference (8:5) compared with the Werkself (7:2).
There are 14 days between the previous and the forthcoming meetings of the two clubs. Striker Borja Iglesias gave Manuel Pellegrini's team the lead from the penalty spot on 75 minutes in the 1-1 draw. Bayer 04 levelled seven minutes later through Robert Andrich. With almost the last kick of the game, Kerem Demirbay had the chance to make it 2-1 but his shot from ten yards was kept out with an impressive reaction save from the Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.
The Andalusian side have played three matches in La Liga since the Europa League clash at the Stadio Benito Villamarin. Immediately after the draw with the Seoane team, Nabil Fekir and Co. overcame Rayo Vallecano with a 3-2 victory in an exciting game at home and that was followed with a convincing 4-1 victory over Valencia in the third home game in succession.
However, Real Betis suffered a defeat on the road last time out: Atlético Madrid were the 3-0 winners last Sunday. Nevertheless, the Green and Whites have moved up three places to fifth place in Spain's top-flight since the last Europa League match against Bayer 04 – their current tally in the league is 21 points from 12 games.
While the Werkself head coach Gerardo Seoane has another player sidelined in Mitchel Bakker (ankle injury), his opposite number Pellegrini has a full squad to choose from for the match at the BayArena.
The Chilean is well known as a fan of rotation: Midfielder Nabil Fekir and striker Borja Iglesias were both on the bench against Atlético. The latter came on as substitute in the closing stages but Fekir did not play.
It is possible the two key players in the Betis attacking game could return to the starting line-up on Thursday. Jonathan Tah and Co. will again have to keep a wary eye on the duo as Fekir and Iglesias have already been involved in eleven goals this season.
The new eSports season is just around the corner. The VBL Club Championship by WOW starts on Thursday 15 October (from 18:00 CEST). And, as every year, here’s an overview: What changes are there? What is staying the same?
Show more
Bayer 04 record-appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn invites you to another evening in the popular ‘Rudi lädt ein’ series: on Tuesday 10 November, in collaboration with Bayer AG, the focus will be on the Nazi period. The focus will be on football, Bayer 04 and the city of Leverkusen.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
Show more
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
Show more
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
