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

Jan Conradi bei der Torwarttrainer-Fortbildung
Youth - 15.10.2026

Zonal defence: Goalkeeping coach training course at the BayArena

Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.

Show more
Maja Sternad trifft entscheidend
Women - 14.10.2026

Women’s internationals: World Cup dream still alive for Sternad and Tomasiak

The international break produced a full range of emotions for Bayer 04’s women. While four Leverkusen players were in play-off action to try and reach the World Cup, including two important goals, there were others in friendly action. Here’s a round-up of all the results…

Show more
Vintage Kollektion von Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 14.10.2026

NB Vintage Collection: Zippers, sweaters, joggers and T-shirts

The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.

Show more
Lech Posen
Europa League - 13.10.2026

Our next opponents: Polish champions dangerous up front, vulnerable at the back

On Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League league phase, Lech Poznań suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace. Now the Polish champions will be looking for a more successful outcome in their first home game against the Werkself this Thursday, 15 October (kick-off 18:45 CEST) - and banking on a strong attack. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more