Bayer 04 and Heidenheim are meeting for only the fourth time in the German top flight, and the Werkself have won all three so far. The last encounter earlier this season ended in a 5-2 victory, with Patrik Schick netting a hat-trick. Talking of goals: Bayer have scored a total of 11 goals in three games against FCH - only against SSV Ulm 1846 (13 goals) did the Werkself find the net more times in their first three league meetings. Heidenheim, meanwhile, haven't conceded more goals in their first three Bundesliga matches against any other opponents.
On the road, Bayer 04 remain unbeaten in their last 30 Bundesliga away outings (W22, D8). That's the second-longest run in the league's history after Bayern Munich's 33-match streak from April 2012 to March 2014. Now the best away team (29 points) meet the weakest home team (10 points) in this Bundesliga season at the Voith-Arena, which lies 555 metres above sea level.
1. FC Heidenheim 1846 were bottom of the table a few weeks ago and had already been written off by many football pundits. The second Bundesliga season for the club from Baden-Württemberg appeared to be over. But long-serving coach Frank Schmidt's side have now climbed into the play-off spot thanks to a three-match unbeaten run and go into this Saturday's clash with the Werkself with confidence. More on the strengths, weaknesses and key players of today's hosts in the opposition profile.
The Werkself will be backed by 2,000 fans in Heidenheim. As usual the Bayer 04 Fan Liaison team have put together all relevant information for those travelling - HERE is the fan information.
The German Football Association (DFB) has appointed Tobias Stieler for this fixture. The 43-year-old referee has overseen 31 competitive matches involving Leverkusen to date, with a record of 25 wins, three draws and three defeats. Assisting Stieler today are Christian Gittelmann and Mark Borsch, with Pascal Müller as the VAR.
Bayer 04 Women won 3-1 away at Turbine Potsdam on Friday night to maintain their chances of finishing in the top three and qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Delice Boboy, Cornelia Kramer and Karolina Lea Vilhjalmsdottir struck for the Werkself at the Google Pixel Bundesliga’s bottom club, whose relegation was confirmed with the result. Leverkusen’s 12th win of the campaign took them up to 40 points.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without defender Nordi Mukiele and the Argentinian striker Alejo Sarco for the time being. Both players suffered muscle injuries in yesterday's Werkself training session.
Show more
Two keepers, lots of questions: Werkself captain Lukas Hradecky and U19 goalkeeper Jesper Schlich visited the BarmeniaGothaer children’s press conference in partnership with the Bayer 04 Lions Club on Wednesday afternoon. The duo faced interesting and at times unusual questions from around 50 inquisitive young journalists in the press conference room at the BayArena.
Show more
The video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA) in conjunction with the German Football League (DFL) have started the vote for the annual Bundesliga Team of the Season. Werkself fans now have the opportunity to put forward seven Bayer 04 players for the top eleven in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie, Patrik Schick, Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo are in the vote. Voting ends on Sunday, 27 April (19:59 CEST).
Show more
