Bundesliga: Bayer Leverkusen Plan to End ten Hag’s False Start

Werder Bremen vs Bayer Leverkusen

Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen bow didn’t go as planned, as he lost 2-1 against Hoffenheim in the opening matchday of the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign. This weekend, his Die Werkself plan to bounce back when they visit Werder Bremen at Weserstadion this Saturday evening.

Over the week, Bayer Leverkusen continue to get busy in the transfer market, as the summer window is about to close in just a few days. Regardless, the pre-game SBOTOP betting odds have them as the favourite to take maximum points against Werder Bremen.

Werder Bremen are also coming off a defeat, losing 4-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Horst Steffen’s men are keen to stun their visitors.

These two teams are highly motivated to win their first league game of the campaign to improve their place in the German top-flight standings. So, fans can expect an entertaining contest this weekend. Without further ado, here is the preview of this matchup.

 

Talking Points

Werder Bremen reinforce their backline

Werder Bremen’s backline was picked apart by Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, as Jean-Matteo Bahoya wreaked havoc on the wings with his brace, and Can Uzun and Ansgar Knauff also found the back of the net.

This summer, Die Werderaner managed to loan centre-back Maxmilian Wober from Leeds United and goalkeeper Karl Hein from Arsenal to reinforce their backline. The club also brought in Patrice Covic, Abdoul Karim Coulibaly, and Samuel Mbangula for €10 million combined.

Werder Bremen are not yet done, as they’ve brought in right-back Yukinari Sugawara via loan from Southampton, who were relegated to the Championship. His arrival should help assuage the loss of Mitchell Weiser, who tore his ACL in preseason. If Sugawara does well, Werder Bremen can sign him permanently at the end of the season. The Japanese international could make his debut against Bayer Leverkusen.

Head coach Horst Steffen faces a lengthy injury list, as he is expected to miss up to seven players against Die Werkself. Besides Weiser (knee), Olivier Deman (ankle), Jens Stage (foot), and Maximilian Wober (thigh) are out, while captain Marco Friedl (knee), Julian Malatini (ankle), and Amos Pieper (hip) are doubtful to play.

 

More roster movement for Bayer Leverkusen?

Bayer Leverkusen got off to a brisk start when Jarell Quansah scored the team’s first league goal of the campaign in the sixth minute. However, everything fell apart for Erik ten Hag’s side, as Fisnik Asllani and Tim Lemperle put Hoffenheim ahead for good.

Since ten Hag took over as manager this offseason, Die Werkself have been busy in the transfer market, having acquired 15 players either via permanent transfers or loans. And their latest acquisitions are centre-back Loic Bade from Sevilla and free agent Lucas Vazquez, who made 402 appearances and won 23 trophies for Real Madrid.

Before Vazquez went to BayArena, he reportedly received offers to play and stay in La Liga, but the 34-year-old right-back doesn’t want to face Real Madrid as an opponent. 

 

History

Werder Bremen have won one of their last 10 Bundesliga matches against Bayer Leverkusen (D5, L4), with their most recent victory a 2-0 result last March. In the said contest, Romano Schmid and Justin Njinmah had one goal apiece.

Bayer Leverkusen are undefeated in their last 34 Bundesliga away matches (W23, D11), their longest such streak in their German top-flight history. Die Werkself last lost at Weserstadion almost nine years ago with a 2-1 scoreline and have remained unbeaten in their last seven Bundesliga away matches there since then (W4, D3).

Horst Steffen and Erik ten Hag are the two oldest current Bundesliga managers at 56 and 55, respectively, and they lost their debut Bundesliga match in charge last weekend.

Another defeat for ten Hag this weekend will make him the first Bayer Leverkusen manager since Dettmar Cramer in 1982 to lose his first two Bundesliga matches.

 

Betting Tip

The Bundesliga 2025 odds are partisan towards the visitors to win this Saturday. Bayer Leverkusen are the favourites at 1.98, whereas Werder Bremen are at 3.22, and a draw is at 3.50 in the 1X2 market. 

As mentioned, fans at Weserstadion will likely get their fair share of Bundesliga 2025 highlights from this contest. Besides going for a Die Werkself victory, bettors can also go for alternatives like Over 2.75 at 1.70 and Total Goals 2-3 at 2.14. On the other hand, a Correct Score of 2-0 in favour of Werder Bremen – the result of their last league encounter – could give you a mouthwatering payday of 22.00 your bet.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.