Pre-Match Report

Warm-up: Football tennis, stretching exercises, and a birthday song

A birthday greeting at lunchtime! Ahead of their Champions League match against Sabah FC, the Borussians warmed up at the hotel: football tennis and stretching exercises in two groups, accompanied by plenty of music. The first song had a special reason: “Happy Birthday” for Carney Chukwuemeka, who turns 23 today. Check out the best photos here.

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Kickoff is set for Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. (CEST) in Azerbaijan\u2019s capital, Baku. According to BVB coach Niko Kovac, the favorite is clear.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"On Matchday 3 of the current Champions League season, Borussia Dortmund will face Sabah FC on the road. Kickoff is set for Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. (CEST) in Azerbaijan\u2019s capital, Baku. According to BVB coach Niko Kovac, the favorite is clear.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>The scenario<\/b><\/h2>\nThree away games in seven days: At the start of this busy week, the team lost 0-1 to Bodø/Glimt in Norway on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League. The team returned from their Bundesliga match at Union Berlin with a 0-0 draw. Now they\u2019re looking to pick up points against Sabah FC in the Champions League and get back on track. \u201cWe have our plays in the final third to create danger. We haven\u2019t been able to execute them in the last two games, which is why we haven\u2019t scored,\u201d explains BVB coach Niko Kovac. \u201cIf we want to win, we have to score goals. We need to execute those plays. We have to play much faster, with more precision, and take more shots. Tomorrow we have to shoot on goal more often to maybe force a goal.\u201d<\/p>\nWith one win (3\u20132 in their home opener against Villarreal) and one loss (to Bodø), the team has a balanced record after two matchdays and sits in 18th place in the league standings.<\/p>\n<h2>Squad<\/b><\/h2>\nIt\u2019s not yet clear who will play on Tuesday. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to see how the lads are doing. Today is the second day after the game, and we had a five-hour flight,\u201d said Kovac. \u201cToday we\u2019ll check in with them a bit and see how one or the other player is feeling. After all, it\u2019s also about bringing in fresh legs.\u201d Konstantinos Karetsas suffered a ligament injury in the match against Union and is out, as are the long-term injured players Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias (both with torn cruciate ligaments). All other players were on the flight and are ready to play<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Svensson-Kovac-1792426410399\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/vorbericht-sabah/Svensson-Kovac.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\n\u201cWe\u2019re taking the opponent seriously, especially since they won 2-0 here against Prague in their last game,\u201d said Kovac. \u201cWe have to be sharp, and I hope that as the game goes on, we can show the qualities we undoubtedly possess. We\u2019re the clear favorites here, and we want to\u2014and must\u2014win this game.\u201d<\/p>\nSabah lost their first match of the current league phase 0\u20134 at Manchester United. On the second matchday, the team defeated Slavia Prague 2\u20130 at home and currently sits in 22nd place in the standings. Over the weekend, they secured a 4\u20130 away victory in the national league, where Sabah leads the standings.<\/p>\nThe club from Masazır, which is playing the match in Baku, was founded in 2017 and has been competing in Azerbaijan\u2019s top league since 2018. In 2026, the team won the national championship for the first time. With only nine years of existence, the club broke the record as the youngest club ever to qualify for the Champions League group stage (FK Krasnodar previously held this record at 12 years).<\/p>\n<h2>Third Away Match<\/b><\/h2>\nThis marks the third time BVB has played a match in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Near East. So far, BVB\u2019s away games on the western shore of the Caspian Sea\u2014about 3,450 kilometers as the crow flies from Westphalia\u2014have been successful. In the UEFA Europa League playoffs on August 26, 2010, they secured a 1-0 victory over Qarabagh Agdam. The match was played at the Tofiq Bəhramov Stadium. Five years later, on October 22, 2015, Borussia defeated Qäbälä FK 3\u20131 in the UEFA Europa League. The match was played here at the Bakcell Arena. Now BVB is set to play its third match in Baku, this time at the Olympic Stadium. \nChristina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-e2PZHNB0Q\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>The scenario<\/b><\/h2>\nThree away games in seven days: At the start of this busy week, the team lost 0-1 to Bodø/Glimt in Norway on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League. The team returned from their Bundesliga match at Union Berlin with a 0-0 draw. Now they\u2019re looking to pick up points against Sabah FC in the Champions League and get back on track. \u201cWe have our plays in the final third to create danger. We haven\u2019t been able to execute them in the last two games, which is why we haven\u2019t scored,\u201d explains BVB coach Niko Kovac. \u201cIf we want to win, we have to score goals. We need to execute those plays. We have to play much faster, with more precision, and take more shots. Tomorrow we have to shoot on goal more often to maybe force a goal.\u201d<\/p>\nWith one win (3\u20132 in their home opener against Villarreal) and one loss (to Bodø), the team has a balanced record after two matchdays and sits in 18th place in the league standings.<\/p>\n<h2>Squad<\/b><\/h2>\nIt\u2019s not yet clear who will play on Tuesday. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to see how the lads are doing. Today is the second day after the game, and we had a five-hour flight,\u201d said Kovac. \u201cToday we\u2019ll check in with them a bit and see how one or the other player is feeling. After all, it\u2019s also about bringing in fresh legs.\u201d Konstantinos Karetsas suffered a ligament injury in the match against Union and is out, as are the long-term injured players Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias (both with torn cruciate ligaments). All other players were on the flight and are ready to play<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Svensson-Kovac-1792426410399\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/vorbericht-sabah/Svensson-Kovac.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\n\u201cWe\u2019re taking the opponent seriously, especially since they won 2-0 here against Prague in their last game,\u201d said Kovac. \u201cWe have to be sharp, and I hope that as the game goes on, we can show the qualities we undoubtedly possess. We\u2019re the clear favorites here, and we want to\u2014and must\u2014win this game.\u201d<\/p>\nSabah lost their first match of the current league phase 0\u20134 at Manchester United. On the second matchday, the team defeated Slavia Prague 2\u20130 at home and currently sits in 22nd place in the standings. Over the weekend, they secured a 4\u20130 away victory in the national league, where Sabah leads the standings.<\/p>\nThe club from Masazır, which is playing the match in Baku, was founded in 2017 and has been competing in Azerbaijan\u2019s top league since 2018. In 2026, the team won the national championship for the first time. With only nine years of existence, the club broke the record as the youngest club ever to qualify for the Champions League group stage (FK Krasnodar previously held this record at 12 years).<\/p>\n<h2>Third Away Match<\/b><\/h2>\nThis marks the third time BVB has played a match in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Near East. So far, BVB\u2019s away games on the western shore of the Caspian Sea\u2014about 3,450 kilometers as the crow flies from Westphalia\u2014have been successful. In the UEFA Europa League playoffs on August 26, 2010, they secured a 1-0 victory over Qarabagh Agdam. The match was played at the Tofiq Bəhramov Stadium. Five years later, on October 22, 2015, Borussia defeated Qäbälä FK 3\u20131 in the UEFA Europa League. The match was played here at the Bakcell Arena. Now BVB is set to play its third match in Baku, this time at the Olympic Stadium. \nChristina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-e2PZHNB0Q\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-b14cd9ee33","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Kovac sets the tone: \u201cWe\u2019re the clear favorites here\u201d","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685406_3_sabah_-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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The scoreboards displayed a \u201cWelcome\u201d message and a large BVB logo as the team began their drills on the field. After 15 minutes, the public portion of the session ended as usual, and training continued behind closed doors. Here are the best photos.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The Borussians completed their final training session at the Olympic Stadium in Baku (capacity: approximately 69,000 spectators). The scoreboards displayed a \u201cWelcome\u201d message and a large BVB logo as the team began their drills on the field. After 15 minutes, the public portion of the session ended as usual, and training continued behind closed doors. Here are the best photos.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<img data-assetref=\"Bensebaini-Baku-1792423396095\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Bensebaini-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Baku-Mannschaft-1792423406066\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Baku-Mannschaft.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Silva-Baku-1792423456595\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Silva-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Baku-1792423466028\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Mannschaft-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Chukwuemeka-Baku-1792423476275\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Chukwuemeka-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Bellingham-Baku-1792423505510\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Bellingham-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Baku-1792423516909\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Schlotterbeck-Baku.jpg\"/> <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Baku-1792423446740\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Kovac-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<img data-assetref=\"Bensebaini-Baku-1792423396095\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Bensebaini-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Baku-Mannschaft-1792423406066\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Baku-Mannschaft.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Silva-Baku-1792423456595\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Silva-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Baku-1792423466028\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Mannschaft-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Chukwuemeka-Baku-1792423476275\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Chukwuemeka-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Bellingham-Baku-1792423505510\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Bellingham-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Baku-1792423516909\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Schlotterbeck-Baku.jpg\"/> <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-Baku-1792423446740\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Kovac-Baku.jpg\"/><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4e754267a6","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Photo Gallery: Final Training Session in Baku","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685406_3_sabah_-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"The journey continues\u2014Baku is calling! Borussia Dortmund will play its third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, the second on the road. Against Sabah FC, the Borussians aim to pick up more points in the group stage. Kickoff at the Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan\u2019s capital is set for Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. (CEST). Our live updates will take you along for the ride, from departure to the match!<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/19/UEFA-Champions-League-Live-Updates-on-the-Trip-to-Baku.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"UEFA Champions League: Live Updates on the Trip to Baku","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-19T12:38:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/19/UEFA-Champions-League-Live-Updates-on-the-Trip-to-Baku.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Stadion-Baku.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"19.10.26 12:38 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"The journey continues\u2014Baku is calling! Borussia Dortmund will play its third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, the second on the road. Against Sabah FC, the Borussians aim to pick up more points in the group stage. Kickoff at the Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan\u2019s capital is set for Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. (CEST). Our live updates will take you along for the ride, from departure to the match!<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The journey continues\u2014Baku is calling! Borussia Dortmund will play its third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, the second on the road. Against Sabah FC, the Borussians aim to pick up more points in the group stage. Kickoff at the Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan\u2019s capital is set for Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. (CEST). Our live updates will take you along for the ride, from departure to the match!","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>Monday, October 19, 2026<\/h2>\nHere\u2019s what\u2019s on the agenda today:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Trip to Baku<\/li>\n<li>Final training session at the Olympic Stadium<\/li>\n<li>Press conference at the Olympic Stadium with Niko Kovac and Daniel Svensson<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>+++ Press conference with Niko Kovac and Daniel Svensson +++<\/h2>\nNiko Kovac sets the tone: \u201cWe have to be sharp, and I hope that as the game progresses, we can showcase the qualities we undoubtedly possess. We\u2019re the clear favorites here, and we want to\u2014and must\u2014win this game.\u201d The coach discusses the current situation, the roster, and the opponent<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-e2PZHNB0Q&t=1s\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Final Training Session at the Olympic Stadium +++<\/b><\/h2>\nA slight change of plans: Instead of starting with the press conference, the on-site program begins with the final training session. At the Olympic Stadium in Baku (capacity: approximately 69,000), the Borussians are training on the field. The scoreboards display \u201cWelcome\u201d and a large BVB logo. After 15 minutes, the public portion ends, and training continues behind closed doors. We\u2019re now heading down to the press conference area\u2026<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Baku-Schlotterbeck-1792423848860\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Baku-Schlotterbeck.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Hello from Azerbaijan +++<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter a five-hour flight, the Borussians have arrived at the Caspian Sea. Some players watched movies on the flight, while others listened to music or played games. Now it\u2019s off to the stadium!<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DerbZuDIlnb/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">On Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Media session with Lars Ricken +++<\/b><\/h2>\nBefore departing for the third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, Sporting Director Lars Ricken answers journalists\u2019 questions during a press conference and comments on Konstantinos Karetsas, the upcoming trip, and the team\u2019s position in the standings<\/p>\n<h2>+++ Arrival at the Airport +++<\/b><\/h2>\nThe team has arrived at the airport and is ready for the trip to Azerbaijan. Konstantinos Karetsas is not traveling after sustaining an injury in the match against Union Berlin. BVB Managing Director Lars Ricken said on Monday: \u201cKos has a ligament injury in his foot. He won\u2019t be flying to Baku and won\u2019t be able to play against Frankfurt on Saturday either. That\u2019s obviously frustrating, but we initially expected the worst after seeing the reactions of his teammates.<\/p>\nThe flight to the Caspian Sea is expected to take about five hours. It\u2019s 10 degrees Celsius in Dortmund. Temperatures of 23 degrees are expected in Baku. We\u2019re taking off!<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Silva-Guirassy-1792396331126\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Silva-Guirassy.jpg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-1792396431577\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Kovac.jpg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Ryerson-Schlotterbeck-Veerman-1792396342314\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Ryerson-Schlotterbeck-Veerman.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Unusual Career Path +++<\/b><\/h2>\nThe team\u2019s coach is Valdas Dambrauskas from Lithuania. The current head coach appeared on the Lithuanian version of \u201cWho Wants to Be a Millionaire?\u201d in 2002 at the age of 25 and used his winnings to finance his coaching education in England. He won 4,000 litas, which at the time was roughly half a year\u2019s salary in his home country.<\/p>\n<h2>+++ Here\u2019s the Opponent +++<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter a 1\u20132 loss in the first leg of the playoffs against Hapoel Be\u2019er Sheva, Sabah FC came back from being down twice to win 5\u20132 in extra time and qualify for the current group stage of the UEFA Champions League. They lost their first match 0\u20134 at Manchester United. On the second matchday, the team defeated Slavia Prague 2\u20130 at home. The team is currently ranked 22nd in the standings. Over the weekend, they secured a 4\u20130 away victory in the national league, where Sabah currently sits in first place.<\/p>\nThe club was founded in 2017 and has been playing in Azerbaijan\u2019s top league since 2018. In 2026, the team won the national championship for the first time. After just nine years of existence, the club broke the record as the youngest club ever to qualify for the Champions League group stage (FK Krasnodar previously held this record with twelve years).<\/p>\n<h2>+++ The Three Bs +++<\/b><\/h2>\nBodø, Berlin, Baku\u2014these are the venues for BVB\u2019s matches over the course of seven days. Now Borussia Dortmund is making its final stop.<\/p>\n<h2>+++ Good Morning from Dortmund +++<\/b><\/h2>\nThe final leg of three consecutive away games takes BVB to Azerbaijan. Today\u2019s destination: Baku! Not your typical destination in European club soccer. But this season, the UEFA Champions League makes it possible. The opponent is Sabah FC from Masazır, though the match will be played at the capital\u2019s Olympic Stadium. Upon arrival in the capital, a press conference with head coach Niko Kovac and defender Daniel Svensson is scheduled (live on BVB-TV starting at 5:15 p.m. CEST), followed by the final training session. <\/p>\nThe U19 team is also heading to Azerbaijan, where they\u2019ll face a challenge in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday. <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"CL-Logo-Trikot-1792423895798\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/CL-Logo-Trikot.jpg\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>Monday, October 19, 2026<\/h2>\nHere\u2019s what\u2019s on the agenda today:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Trip to Baku<\/li>\n<li>Final training session at the Olympic Stadium<\/li>\n<li>Press conference at the Olympic Stadium with Niko Kovac and Daniel Svensson<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>+++ Press conference with Niko Kovac and Daniel Svensson +++<\/h2>\nNiko Kovac sets the tone: \u201cWe have to be sharp, and I hope that as the game progresses, we can showcase the qualities we undoubtedly possess. We\u2019re the clear favorites here, and we want to\u2014and must\u2014win this game.\u201d The coach discusses the current situation, the roster, and the opponent<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-e2PZHNB0Q&t=1s\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Final Training Session at the Olympic Stadium +++<\/b><\/h2>\nA slight change of plans: Instead of starting with the press conference, the on-site program begins with the final training session. At the Olympic Stadium in Baku (capacity: approximately 69,000), the Borussians are training on the field. The scoreboards display \u201cWelcome\u201d and a large BVB logo. After 15 minutes, the public portion ends, and training continues behind closed doors. We\u2019re now heading down to the press conference area\u2026<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Baku-Schlotterbeck-1792423848860\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/abschlusstraining/Baku-Schlotterbeck.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Hello from Azerbaijan +++<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter a five-hour flight, the Borussians have arrived at the Caspian Sea. Some players watched movies on the flight, while others listened to music or played games. Now it\u2019s off to the stadium!<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DerbZuDIlnb/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">On Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Media session with Lars Ricken +++<\/b><\/h2>\nBefore departing for the third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, Sporting Director Lars Ricken answers journalists\u2019 questions during a press conference and comments on Konstantinos Karetsas, the upcoming trip, and the team\u2019s position in the standings<\/p>\n<h2>+++ Arrival at the Airport +++<\/b><\/h2>\nThe team has arrived at the airport and is ready for the trip to Azerbaijan. Konstantinos Karetsas is not traveling after sustaining an injury in the match against Union Berlin. BVB Managing Director Lars Ricken said on Monday: \u201cKos has a ligament injury in his foot. He won\u2019t be flying to Baku and won\u2019t be able to play against Frankfurt on Saturday either. That\u2019s obviously frustrating, but we initially expected the worst after seeing the reactions of his teammates.<\/p>\nThe flight to the Caspian Sea is expected to take about five hours. It\u2019s 10 degrees Celsius in Dortmund. Temperatures of 23 degrees are expected in Baku. We\u2019re taking off!<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Silva-Guirassy-1792396331126\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Silva-Guirassy.jpg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kovac-1792396431577\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Kovac.jpg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Ryerson-Schlotterbeck-Veerman-1792396342314\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/Ryerson-Schlotterbeck-Veerman.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>+++ Unusual Career Path +++<\/b><\/h2>\nThe team\u2019s coach is Valdas Dambrauskas from Lithuania. The current head coach appeared on the Lithuanian version of \u201cWho Wants to Be a Millionaire?\u201d in 2002 at the age of 25 and used his winnings to finance his coaching education in England. He won 4,000 litas, which at the time was roughly half a year\u2019s salary in his home country.<\/p>\n<h2>+++ Here\u2019s the Opponent +++<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter a 1\u20132 loss in the first leg of the playoffs against Hapoel Be\u2019er Sheva, Sabah FC came back from being down twice to win 5\u20132 in extra time and qualify for the current group stage of the UEFA Champions League. They lost their first match 0\u20134 at Manchester United. On the second matchday, the team defeated Slavia Prague 2\u20130 at home. The team is currently ranked 22nd in the standings. Over the weekend, they secured a 4\u20130 away victory in the national league, where Sabah currently sits in first place.<\/p>\nThe club was founded in 2017 and has been playing in Azerbaijan\u2019s top league since 2018. In 2026, the team won the national championship for the first time. After just nine years of existence, the club broke the record as the youngest club ever to qualify for the Champions League group stage (FK Krasnodar previously held this record with twelve years).<\/p>\n<h2>+++ The Three Bs +++<\/b><\/h2>\nBodø, Berlin, Baku\u2014these are the venues for BVB\u2019s matches over the course of seven days. Now Borussia Dortmund is making its final stop.<\/p>\n<h2>+++ Good Morning from Dortmund +++<\/b><\/h2>\nThe final leg of three consecutive away games takes BVB to Azerbaijan. Today\u2019s destination: Baku! Not your typical destination in European club soccer. But this season, the UEFA Champions League makes it possible. The opponent is Sabah FC from Masazır, though the match will be played at the capital\u2019s Olympic Stadium. Upon arrival in the capital, a press conference with head coach Niko Kovac and defender Daniel Svensson is scheduled (live on BVB-TV starting at 5:15 p.m. CEST), followed by the final training session. <\/p>\nThe U19 team is also heading to Azerbaijan, where they\u2019ll face a challenge in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday. <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"CL-Logo-Trikot-1792423895798\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/reiseticker-sabah/CL-Logo-Trikot.jpg\"><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-6a9c13e012","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"UEFA Champions League: Live Updates on the Trip to Baku","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685406_3_sabah_-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-3304a94386":{"dc:description":"Before departing for the third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, Sporting Director Lars Ricken answered questions from journalists at a press conference and commented on Konstantinos Karetsas, the upcoming trip, and the team\u2019s position in the standings.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/19/Lars-Ricken-Our-goal-is-to-come-back-with-a-win.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Lars Ricken: \u201cOur goal is to come back with a win\u201d","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-19T09:58:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/19/Lars-Ricken-Our-goal-is-to-come-back-with-a-win.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/13/stimme-flughafen/Ricken.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"19.10.26 09:58 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Before departing for the third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, Sporting Director Lars Ricken answered questions from journalists at a press conference and commented on Konstantinos Karetsas, the upcoming trip, and the team\u2019s position in the standings.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Before departing for the third UEFA Champions League match of the current season, Sporting Director Lars Ricken answered questions from journalists at a press conference and commented on Konstantinos Karetsas, the upcoming trip, and the team\u2019s position in the standings.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"Lars Ricken on Konstantinos Karetsas: \n<\/b>\u201cKos has a ligament injury in his foot. He won\u2019t be flying to Baku and won\u2019t be able to play against Frankfurt on Saturday either. That\u2019s frustrating, of course, but we initially expected the worst after seeing the reactions of his players.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the trip to Azerbaijan: \n<\/b>\u201cIt\u2019s been an intense week. Just a few days ago, we were still north of the Arctic Circle. After we got back, we headed to Berlin just a few hours later. Now the travel time to Baku is five hours. It\u2019s worth mentioning, but no one\u2019s going to complain about it. That\u2019s just part of the deal when you play for Borussia Dortmund. Sabah is certainly a very strong defensive team with a lot of confidence. They\u2019re in first place in the league, and they\u2019ve just won in the Champions League. Nevertheless, our goal should be to return with a victory.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the standings after one win and one loss: \n<\/b>\u201cOf course, we can read the standings and know which opponents are still ahead of us. Naturally, there\u2019s a certain amount of pressure, but I think we should view this more as motivation and a privilege, because it also reflects our ambition\u2014that we have high goals.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 three consecutive games without a win: \n<\/b>\u201cWe can see that we\u2019re going through a somewhat difficult phase right now. Going three games in a row without a win isn\u2019t normal for Borussia Dortmund. But we have to remind ourselves that we established an excellent position for ourselves early in the season\u2014in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and the Champions League. That\u2019s still the case. Now it\u2019s about showing our willingness to fight and, in the truest sense of the word, to defend that position. But of course, we also want to take the initiative more often on offense again\u2014to be aggressive and determined, create scoring chances, score goals, and regain that hunger to win the games at all costs. When you have a challenge like this in the Champions League, you can fly to Baku with enthusiasm and anticipation. That should be our mindset now.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the sluggish offense: \n<\/b>\n\u201cIt\u2019s difficult. In principle, you can\u2019t fault the team when it comes to attitude. They\u2019ve really given it their all in every game. In all three games, we actually had individually stronger players in every position. But we shouldn\u2019t rely on that during the games; instead, we need to work together as a united team from the very start to ensure that we win the games through our offense. The foundation, of course, lies in defense, but we\u2019ve been proving that for quite some time now.\u201d \n\nRecorded by Christina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Lars Ricken on Konstantinos Karetsas: \n<\/b>\u201cKos has a ligament injury in his foot. He won\u2019t be flying to Baku and won\u2019t be able to play against Frankfurt on Saturday either. That\u2019s frustrating, of course, but we initially expected the worst after seeing the reactions of his players.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the trip to Azerbaijan: \n<\/b>\u201cIt\u2019s been an intense week. Just a few days ago, we were still north of the Arctic Circle. After we got back, we headed to Berlin just a few hours later. Now the travel time to Baku is five hours. It\u2019s worth mentioning, but no one\u2019s going to complain about it. That\u2019s just part of the deal when you play for Borussia Dortmund. Sabah is certainly a very strong defensive team with a lot of confidence. They\u2019re in first place in the league, and they\u2019ve just won in the Champions League. Nevertheless, our goal should be to return with a victory.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the standings after one win and one loss: \n<\/b>\u201cOf course, we can read the standings and know which opponents are still ahead of us. Naturally, there\u2019s a certain amount of pressure, but I think we should view this more as motivation and a privilege, because it also reflects our ambition\u2014that we have high goals.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 three consecutive games without a win: \n<\/b>\u201cWe can see that we\u2019re going through a somewhat difficult phase right now. Going three games in a row without a win isn\u2019t normal for Borussia Dortmund. But we have to remind ourselves that we established an excellent position for ourselves early in the season\u2014in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup, and the Champions League. That\u2019s still the case. Now it\u2019s about showing our willingness to fight and, in the truest sense of the word, to defend that position. But of course, we also want to take the initiative more often on offense again\u2014to be aggressive and determined, create scoring chances, score goals, and regain that hunger to win the games at all costs. When you have a challenge like this in the Champions League, you can fly to Baku with enthusiasm and anticipation. That should be our mindset now.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2026 the sluggish offense: \n<\/b>\n\u201cIt\u2019s difficult. In principle, you can\u2019t fault the team when it comes to attitude. They\u2019ve really given it their all in every game. In all three games, we actually had individually stronger players in every position. But we shouldn\u2019t rely on that during the games; instead, we need to work together as a united team from the very start to ensure that we win the games through our offense. The foundation, of course, lies in defense, but we\u2019ve been proving that for quite some time now.\u201d \n\nRecorded by Christina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-3304a94386","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Lars Ricken: \u201cOur goal is to come back with a win\u201d","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685406_3_sabah_-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"In its 327th European Cup match, Borussia Dortmund will face Sabah FC on Tuesday (kickoff at 6:45 p.m. CEST, live on DAZN). This will be BVB\u2019s third match in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Near East.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/19/The-Rapid-Rise-of-BVBs-Rival-Sabah-FK.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"The Rapid Rise of BVB's Rival, Sabah FC","repo:modifyDate":"2026-10-19T09:31:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/10/19/The-Rapid-Rise-of-BVBs-Rival-Sabah-FK.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/fakten-sabah-/sabahfk-1.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"19.10.26 09:31 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"In its 327th European Cup match, Borussia Dortmund will face Sabah FC on Tuesday (kickoff at 6:45 p.m. CEST, live on DAZN). This will be BVB\u2019s third match in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Near East.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"In its 327th European Cup match, Borussia Dortmund will face Sabah FC on Tuesday (kickoff at 6:45 p.m. CEST, live on DAZN). This will be BVB\u2019s third match in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan in the Near East.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"So far, BVB\u2019s away games on the western coast of the Caspian Sea\u2014about 3,450 kilometers as the crow flies from Westphalia\u2014have been successful. In the UEFA Europa League playoffs on 26 August 2010, they secured a 1-0 victory over Qarabagh Agdam. The match was played at Tofiq Bəhramov Stadium, named after the linesman who had ruled the \u201cWembley Goal\u201d valid in 1966.<\/p>\nFive years later, on 22 October 2015, Borussia defeated Qäbälä FK 3\u20131 in the UEFA Europa League thanks to three goals by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The match was played here at the Bakcell Arena. Now BVB is set to play its third match in Baku, this time at the Olympic Stadium, facing an opponent that didn\u2019t even exist back in 2015 ...<\/p>\n<h2>BVB\u2019s Opponent Is Only Nine Years Old<\/h2>\nSabah FC was founded in 2017, earned promotion to the top league in its first year (finishing fifth), won the cup in 2025, and claimed both the league title and the cup in Azerbaijan in 2026. The club played its qualifying matches for the UEFA Champions League group stage at its home arena in Masazir.<\/p>\nSabah began in the first qualifying round on 7 July, defeating The New Saints (Wales) with two wins, and then\u2014also with two wins\u2014beating Kuopion PS (Finland). Against the Danes of Aarhus GF, who were considered significantly stronger, Sabah overcame a 1\u20132 first-leg loss at home and advanced to the play-offs for the group stage with a decisive 4\u20130 home victory.<\/p>\n<h2>Sabah\u2019s goal-scorer with a past at Gladbach and Schalke <\/h2>\nThere, they lost the first leg at Hapoel Be\u2019er Sheva 1\u20132, but then prevailed 5\u20132 in extra time in Baku after falling behind twice. The 3\u20132 goal that opened the door to extra time came in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The goal that sealed the 5\u20132 final score was scored by Siegburg native Joy-Lance Mickels. The 32-year-old came up through the youth systems at Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Schalke. As a goal-scorer, leader, top scorer, and workhorse, the speedy winger is indispensable to the team. Once criticized for allegedly unprofessional behavior and having spent a long time playing in the fourth division, he now plays on Europe\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"sabah-fk2-1792402389629\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/fakten-sabah-/sabah-fk2.jpg\"><\/p>\nAlthough Sabah lost its first-ever \u201cofficial\u201d UEFA Champions League match 0\u20134 to Manchester City, the team secured its first victory on the very second matchday with a 2\u20130 win over Slavia Prague. Sabah boasts an impressive home record: The team has won all five of its home games in the UEFA Champions League so far (since the first qualifying round) with a goal difference of 14\u20132.<\/p>\nGoals seem to be a given, by the way: None of Sabah\u2019s 24 matches in UEFA competitions (13 wins, one draw, 11 losses) have ended scoreless. The players with the most international experience are goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov (33 years old, 190 cm tall), who has appeared in every game this season and will play his 50th European Cup match on Tuesday, and forward Veljko Simić (31 years old), who has 42 UEFA appearances (six goals). \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"So far, BVB\u2019s away games on the western coast of the Caspian Sea\u2014about 3,450 kilometers as the crow flies from Westphalia\u2014have been successful. In the UEFA Europa League playoffs on 26 August 2010, they secured a 1-0 victory over Qarabagh Agdam. The match was played at Tofiq Bəhramov Stadium, named after the linesman who had ruled the \u201cWembley Goal\u201d valid in 1966.<\/p>\nFive years later, on 22 October 2015, Borussia defeated Qäbälä FK 3\u20131 in the UEFA Europa League thanks to three goals by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The match was played here at the Bakcell Arena. Now BVB is set to play its third match in Baku, this time at the Olympic Stadium, facing an opponent that didn\u2019t even exist back in 2015 ...<\/p>\n<h2>BVB\u2019s Opponent Is Only Nine Years Old<\/h2>\nSabah FC was founded in 2017, earned promotion to the top league in its first year (finishing fifth), won the cup in 2025, and claimed both the league title and the cup in Azerbaijan in 2026. The club played its qualifying matches for the UEFA Champions League group stage at its home arena in Masazir.<\/p>\nSabah began in the first qualifying round on 7 July, defeating The New Saints (Wales) with two wins, and then\u2014also with two wins\u2014beating Kuopion PS (Finland). Against the Danes of Aarhus GF, who were considered significantly stronger, Sabah overcame a 1\u20132 first-leg loss at home and advanced to the play-offs for the group stage with a decisive 4\u20130 home victory.<\/p>\n<h2>Sabah\u2019s goal-scorer with a past at Gladbach and Schalke <\/h2>\nThere, they lost the first leg at Hapoel Be\u2019er Sheva 1\u20132, but then prevailed 5\u20132 in extra time in Baku after falling behind twice. The 3\u20132 goal that opened the door to extra time came in the fourth minute of stoppage time. The goal that sealed the 5\u20132 final score was scored by Siegburg native Joy-Lance Mickels. The 32-year-old came up through the youth systems at Borussia Mönchengladbach and FC Schalke. As a goal-scorer, leader, top scorer, and workhorse, the speedy winger is indispensable to the team. Once criticized for allegedly unprofessional behavior and having spent a long time playing in the fourth division, he now plays on Europe\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"sabah-fk2-1792402389629\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/10/19/fakten-sabah-/sabah-fk2.jpg\"><\/p>\nAlthough Sabah lost its first-ever \u201cofficial\u201d UEFA Champions League match 0\u20134 to Manchester City, the team secured its first victory on the very second matchday with a 2\u20130 win over Slavia Prague. Sabah boasts an impressive home record: The team has won all five of its home games in the UEFA Champions League so far (since the first qualifying round) with a goal difference of 14\u20132.<\/p>\nGoals seem to be a given, by the way: None of Sabah\u2019s 24 matches in UEFA competitions (13 wins, one draw, 11 losses) have ended scoreless. The players with the most international experience are goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov (33 years old, 190 cm tall), who has appeared in every game this season and will play his 50th European Cup match on Tuesday, and forward Veljko Simić (31 years old), who has 42 UEFA appearances (six goals). \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4313265134","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"The Rapid Rise of BVB's Rival, Sabah FC","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685406_3_sabah_-borussiadortmund"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"1220526177","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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