The big picture

Bayer Leverkusen come in 5th on the ladder with 16 points; FC Cologne are 15th on 9. Bayer Leverkusen have the higher position to protect.

Bayer Leverkusen are 4–3–1 in Bundesliga 2026-27, averaging 2.3 goals for and 2 against.

FC Cologne are 2–3–3 in Bundesliga 2026-27, averaging 1.1 goals for and 1.5 against.

Form

Bayer Leverkusen have won two of their last five and most recently lost to Marseille 0–1.

FC Cologne have won one of their last five and most recently drew with 1. FC Union Berlin 1–1.

Bayer Leverkusen have lost their last three.

Head to head

These sides have met 32 times on our records since 2003: Bayer Leverkusen 19, FC Cologne 7, 6 drawn.

Last time out (2025-26), Bayer Leverkusen won 2–1 at RheinEnergieStadion.

Bayer Leverkusen have won the last four against FC Cologne.

Biggest margin between these two: Bayer Leverkusen by 4 goals in 2020-21 (4–0).

Players to watch

For Bayer Leverkusen, watch Patrik Schick (0.9 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27) and Ibrahim Maza (0.4 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27).

For FC Cologne, watch Thijs Dallinga (0.7 goals a game in 2026-27) and Said El Mala (0.3 goals a game in 2026-27).

At BayArena

Bayer Leverkusen have won 11 of their last 20 at BayArena.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Bayer Leverkusen go in as clear favourites.