Bayer Leverkusen kicks off the new season with an away match against SV Elversberg. The 2023/2024 German champion faces the league newcomer on the first matchday.
Who is the opponent?
SV Elversberg hosts Bayer Leverkusen in the season opener. The club has officially confirmed the opponent.
The SVE has mixed memories of the upcoming season's Europa League participant: the two teams met twice in the DFB-Pokal. While Bayer lived up to its favorite role last season, the SVE caused a sensation in 2022.
What comes next?
In the away game against the SVE, a new coach will be on the bench for Bayer: Carles Martinez Novell came from the French first division club Toulouse FC, replacing the Dane Kasper Hjulmand. Bayer Leverkusen finished the 2025/2026 season with 59 points and sixth place in the Bundesliga, 30 points behind leaders Bayern München.
Loan player Onyeka with SV Elversberg directly against parent club
For an SVE newcomer, the game is special: Francis Onyeka has to play directly against his parent club. The 19-year-old midfielder plays this season on loan at the Kaiserlinde, has a contract with Leverkusen until 2032.
Bayer Leverkusen scored 68 goals and conceded 47 in the last season, resulting in a positive goal difference of +21. The last matchday of the previous season ended with a 1-1 draw against Hamburger SV on May 16, 2026.
