Back
1.09.2023Europa League

Werkself face Qarabag, Molde and BK Häcken

The draw for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 has given Bayer 04 three champions as opponents. The Werkself are in Group H along with Qarabag, Molde and BK Häcken.
UEFA_Europa_League_2324_Gegner.jpg

The Werkself will play the current champions of Azerbaijan (Qarabag), Norway (Molde) and Sweden (BK Häcken). Bayer 04 will meet all three clubs for the first time.

Fernando Carro, CEO, was at the draw in Monaco along with director of licensed teams Thomas Eichin: "I'm looking forward to the interesting opponents in our group who we will have the necessary respect for. Winning the group can be our only target. The euphoria around reaching the semi-finals last year has given us desire for more – we want to go for it again."

And Simon Rolfes, sporting managing director, also talked about the opponents: "First of all, I'm very much looking forward to seeing Andrey Lunev again after his move to Qarabag. Then we play two Scandinavian teams in Molde and Häcken who are perhaps not that well-known. But last season we saw in Union Saint-Gilloise how much quality these teams can have. It's a good group without a doubt. Our aim is to go through whoever the opponents are."

fixture details to follow

The first matchday is on Thursday 21 September. The group stage ends on Thursday 14 December. The kick-off times this season are 18.45 and 21.00. Fixture details should be known by Saturday afternoon at the latest. Bayer 04 will communicate these immediately on the club media channels.

Related News

Nebe Domnic für Bayer 04
U19 - 16.09.2026

3–2 against Viktoria Köln – U19s extend lead at the top of the table in crunch clash

The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.

Show more
Doue im Training
Bayer 04 - 16.09.2026

Muscle injury sidelines Bayer 04 defender Guéla Doué

Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04NKC
Europa League - 16.09.2026

Matchday news: A new chapter in European competition begins

For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.

Show more
Die PK mit Martínez und Garcia vor dem UEL-Heimauftakt gegen NK Celje | 1. Spieltag UEL
Werkself-TV - 15.09.2026

Martínez ahead of home opener: In Europa League with high ambitions

European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.

Show more
crop_imago1036744150h.jpg
Europa League - 15.09.2026

Our next opponents: First game for new head coach

The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more