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.
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.
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