Bayer Leverkusen head into the final day of the Bundesliga season knowing victory is essential if they are to keep alive their hopes of securing Champions League football when they host Hamburger SV at the BayArena on Saturday.
Leverkusen took to their official X channel to announce their final Bundesliga home match of the 2025-26 season against Hamburger SV at BayArena on May 16, 2026, calling it “one last test.”
Die Werkself have endured a difficult end to the campaign, including a disappointing Champions League Round of 16 exit against Arsenal and a damaging 3-1 Bundesliga defeat to Stuttgart last weekend. That result left Leverkusen sixth in the standings, three points behind both Hoffenheim and Stuttgart, meaning anything less than three points on the final day will confirm a Europa League finish.
Even victory may not be enough unless results elsewhere also go in their favour. The pressure surrounding the club has increased further due to uncertainty over head coach Kasper Hjulmand’s future, with reports suggesting the Danish manager could leave despite only taking charge last year.
Hamburger SV, meanwhile, arrive with far less pressure after successfully securing their Bundesliga status thanks to consecutive victories over Eintracht Frankfurt and Freiburg. Head coach Merlin Polzin has received widespread praise for guiding the club to survival following promotion, and the visitors are now aiming to finish the season strongly with a third straight win.
Despite Hamburg’s recent improvement, history strongly favours Leverkusen. HSV have won only one of their previous eight meetings against Die Werkself and have managed just three goals across those encounters.
With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance and uncertainty surrounding the club’s future direction, Leverkusen know only a convincing performance and three points will keep their hopes alive on the Bundesliga’s dramatic final day.
Team News
Bayer Leverkusen remain without Martin Terrier due to a hamstring injury, while Christian Kofane is doubtful after suffering a shoulder issue against Stuttgart. Nathan Tella also faces a late fitness test because of a muscular problem.
Patrik Schick is expected to lead the attack after scoring nine goals in his last seven Bundesliga appearances, including a hat-trick against RB Leipzig.
Hamburger SV could be without Robert Glatzel after the striker missed training this week, while Alexander Rossing-Lelesiit has suffered a setback in recovery from a syndesmosis injury.
Nicolas Capaldo and Miro Muheim are both expected to feature despite recent fitness concerns.
Possible Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:
Flekken; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Culbreath, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Poku; Schick
Hamburger SV possible starting lineup:
Heuer Fernandes; Capaldo, Vuskovic, Omari; Jatta, Remberg, Sambi Lokonga, Gronbaek; Vieira, Konigsdorffer; Stange
How to Watch
| Channel | Region | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| BBC | United Kingdom | 14:30 BST |
| StarTimes | Nigeria Africa | 14:30 WAT |
| ESPN | USA | 09:30 ET |
Match Predication
Softfootball predicts Die Werkself to win 3-1.
Leverkusen are under immense pressure, but their superior quality and home advantage should help them secure victory. Hamburger SV may compete bravely.
