Coach Kevin Brok and his team had set themselves two goals for the end of the year. One of them has already been achieved by qualifying for League A of the main round of the DFB Youth League. "We were able to enjoy that for a brief moment," said Brok. "But then we focussed directly on our second goal: We want to progress in the Youth League."
The U19 game before the home clash against Newcastle United was an impressive success: At the end of the preliminary round last weekend, they won 8-1 at FSV Frankfurt. Brok: "The boys approached the game very professionally. So we feel good for Wednesday."
The usual procedures will be adhered to in preparation. The only thing that will probably be included from time to time on the day before and on the matchday itself is a look at the table for the Youth League league phase. The Werkself would definitely go through with a win. Whether a draw would be enough could already be clear at kick-off, as all relevant rivals apart from Juventus have already played. "It's very good to have it in our own hands. That's what counts. We're focussing on our performance and our game," said Brok.
Brok: "the lads are 100 per cent motivated"
The opponents from Newcastle are still without a point after five games in the Youth League and no longer have a chance of progressing. However, Brok does not believe his team are in danger of underestimating the Magpies' youngsters: "We are definitely not in a position to underestimate an opponent. And if we let up even a little, it won't be enough to win in the Youth League. The boys know that. They are one hundred per cent motivated. If we go full throttle, play our game and don't throe everything up front, our chances are good."
What's more, Newcastle United only lost narrowly lost to top teams Barcelona (2-3) and Athletic Bilbao (2-3). Brok added: "I'm sure they'll give their all to make sure they don't leave the competition without any points. They will arrive fully motivated."
Good squad availability – draw on friday
Compared to Leverkusen's defeat at Benfica Lisbon (0-5) and Manchester City (0-6), in which several top players from the U19s were included in the first team squad for the UEFA Champions League, Brok is likely to have some of these players available again against Newcastle United. The Dutchman said: "Even though the senior team always takes priority and we support them as much as we can, which goes without saying, we're delighted that a few of the lads will probably be back."
If Leverkusen are successful in reaching the knockout phase, their eyes will turn to Nyon in Switzerland on Friday, 12 December. The draw will take place at the UEFA headquarters from 15:30 CET. The match action would continue on 3-4 February with the Round of 32 tie. The Werkself will definitely play that game away from home. Whether it will be against one of the six best teams from the league phase or a representative from the champions' route depends on the team's final position.
If the Leverkusen U19s finish in 17th to 22nd place, they will face a team from the top six in the league phase. If they finish between 7th and 16th, they will face a champion. Matches between clubs from the same national association are not possible in either the Round of 32 or the Round of 16. The dates of the Youth League 2025/26 at a glance:
- Draw for the knockout phase: 12 December
- Round of 32: 3/4 February 2026
- Round of 16: 24/25 February 2026
- Quarter-finals: 17/18 March 2026
- Final four in Nyon, Switzerland: 17-20 April 2026
Live stream on club media – Free admission to UHS
Bayer 04 fans can watch the match live at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, with gates opening one hour before kick-off at 13:00 CET. Admission is free. Payment for food and drinks is cashless.
For all those who can't be there, there will be a live stream of the game on bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app. Niko Hartmann from Werkself-Radio will be the commentator for the broadcast, which starts at around 12:50 CET.
