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 thrilling 3-1 win for Bayer 04 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde is a fond memory for Alejandro Grimaldo, with his brace from free kicks, and coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was in the dugout under the Cross for the first time. Now comes the return fixture in the metropolis on the River Main and after going out of the DFB Pokal and the Champions League, the full focus at Eintracht, currently managed by two interim coaches, is now on the Bundesliga. For their part, the Werkself will do everything in their power to continue the longest winning run against a Bundesliga club. The matchday news.
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Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.
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After back-to-back wins at home, Bayer 04 are now out for their first away win of 2026 as they visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (15:30 CET). Ahead of the Matchday 20 fixture in the Bundesliga, Kasper Hjulmand spoke about renewed confidence, Frankfurt’s recent issues and Patrik Schick’s form so far this year.
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Eintracht Frankfurt are yet to win a game in 2026 and have managed only one victory in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Having already been eliminated from the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League, the Eagles are now focusing solely on the Bundesliga as they seek to get their season back on track with the visit of the Werkself on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponents…
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