Back
10.12.2021Europa League

UEFA Europa League: The next steps for the Werkself

Bayer 04 secured top spot in Group G ahead of the final Europa League group match away to Ferencváros. That means the Werkself go straight through to the Round of 16 and avoid the second group stage. We explain the next steps for the team under head coach Gerardo Seoane and look forward to possible opponents in the last 16.
20211103_JS_Stadion_1227.jpg

What is the current situation?

The group stage of the Europa League is over. Bayer 04 and the other seven top teams are through to the Round of 16 and thereby avoid the Round of 32. The first leg of the Round of 16 will be played on Thursday, 10 March 2022. The second leg matches will be played a week later.

What happens up to the Round of 16?

The second group stage will be played – without Bayer 04. The second-placed teams in the Europa League will face the third-placed teams in the Champions League groups on 17 and 24 February. The winners of those matches go through to the Round of 16 where they will play the eight group winners from the Europa League (including the Werkself).

Potential Round of 16 opponents?

The draw for the Europa League Round of 16, set to be held on 25 February, excludes two clubs from the same country playing each other. Accordingly, there are the following 14 possible opponents for the Werkself in the Round of 16:

Second-placed teams from the Europa League: Rangers, Real Sociedad, Napoli, Olympiakos, Lazio, Sporting Braga, Real Betis, Dinamo Zagreb.

Third-placed teams from the Champions League: FC Porto, FC Sheriff, Barcelona, Atalanta, FC Sevilla, Zenit St. Petersburg (not possible: Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig).

Europa League dates and fixtures:

  • 13 December 2021: Draw for the second group stage (not involving Bayer 04)
  • 17/24 February 2022: First and second legs of the second group stage (not involving Bayer 04)
  • 25 February 2022: Round of 16 draw
  • 10/17 March 2022: Round of 16 first and second legs
  • 18 March 2022: Quarter-final draw and the route to the final
  • 7/14 April 2022: Quarter-final first and second legs
  • 28 April/5 May 2022: Semi-final first and second legs
  • 18 May 2022: Final in Seville

Related News

Maja Sternad
Women - 06.11.2026

Bayer 04 Women ‘won’t lose sight of our goals’ as HSV visit

After back-to-back away defeats, Bayer 04 Women now face their penultimate home fixture of 2026 as they welcome Hamburg to the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on Saturday (14:00 CET) seeking three important points in the Google Pixel Bundesliga.

Show more
Facundo Medina für Argentinien
Bayer 04 - 06.11.2026

November internationals: Medina & Fernández in Argentina squad, Quansah selected for England

Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and what matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.

Show more
Ibrahim Maza
Europa League - 05.11.2026

Bayer 04 lose 1-0 to Marseille in first Europa League defeat

After three consecutive wins in the Europa League, the Werkself suffered their first European defeat of the season against Marseille. In a first half with few chances, the Black and Reds gradually gained more and more control of the game, but were unable to convert that advantage into goals. Miguel Gutiérrez came closest to putting Leverkusen ahead with a shot that hit the crossbar. In the second half, the French side produced clinical finishing, with Amine Gouiri scoring from a counter-attack to make it 1-0 (77’). Right up to the final whistle, the Werkself threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but were unable to find a way back into the game.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04OM
Europa League - 05.11.2026

Matchday news: To the very top of the European stage at the fourth attempt?

Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Bundesliga-Spieltage 12 bis 18 terminiert
Bundesliga - 05.11.2026

Bundesliga matchdays 12 to 18 scheduled: Werkself end 2026 on a Saturday afternoon

The Bundesliga has finalised the fixtures for matchdays 12 to 18 of the 2026/27 season. Here is an overview of the dates.

Show more