Balls for Balls: BVB and FAQ YOU team up against testicular cancer

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Fans","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6d26a1f253":{"dc:description":"<p>Borussia Dortmund and FAQ YOU, a brand of F/A/Q Health \u2013 The Better Health Group, are sending out a clear message in the fight against testicular cancer. Under the motto <a href=\"https://www.ballsforballs.de/en\" target=\"_blank\">\u201cBalls for Balls\u201d<\/a>, BVB and FAQ YOU want to go beyond merely raising awareness and actively encourage men to take up a free preventive check-up. The initiative will kick off on World Cancer Day on February 4 and is embedded in BVB\u2019s home match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on February 13 (20:30. CET). Young fans will receive a very special incentive: anyone who has their testicles examined as part of the campaign will receive a football signed by the BVB professionals in return.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/4/Balls-for-Balls-BVB-and-FAQ-YOU-team-up-against-testicular-cancer.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Balls for Balls: BVB and FAQ YOU team up against testicular cancer ","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-04T14:00:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/4/Balls-for-Balls-BVB-and-FAQ-YOU-team-up-against-testicular-cancer.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/de/news/2026/02/04/weltkrebstag/BallsForBalls.png"],"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":"04.02.26 14:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>Borussia Dortmund and FAQ YOU, a brand of F/A/Q Health \u2013 The Better Health Group, are sending out a clear message in the fight against testicular cancer. Under the motto <a href=\"https://www.ballsforballs.de/en\" target=\"_blank\">\u201cBalls for Balls\u201d<\/a>, BVB and FAQ YOU want to go beyond merely raising awareness and actively encourage men to take up a free preventive check-up. The initiative will kick off on World Cancer Day on February 4 and is embedded in BVB\u2019s home match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on February 13 (20:30. CET). Young fans will receive a very special incentive: anyone who has their testicles examined as part of the campaign will receive a football signed by the BVB professionals in return.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund and FAQ YOU, a brand of F/A/Q Health \u2013 The Better Health Group, are sending out a clear message in the fight against testicular cancer. Under the motto \u201cBalls for Balls\u201d, BVB and FAQ YOU want to go beyond merely raising awareness and actively encourage men to take up a free preventive check-up. The initiative will kick off on World Cancer Day on February 4 and is embedded in BVB\u2019s home match against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on February 13 (20:30. CET). Young fans will receive a very special incentive: anyone who has their testicles examined as part of the campaign will receive a football signed by the BVB professionals in return.","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":"<p>Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35 \u2013 a stat that many are not aware of. Men in these age groups know about testicular cancer but seldom believe that they are susceptible to it. Mainly because of their active lifestyles and young age.&nbsp;This age group also makes up a key part of BVB\u2019s fan base.&nbsp;With no obvious signs or painful symptoms, regular checks are the only way to catch testicular cancer early. However, most men completely avoid a visit to the doctor.<\/p>\n<p>When BVB host FSV Mainz 05 in Dortmund on Matchday 22 of the Bundesliga season, FAQ YOU will set up four campaign tents around SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. In cooperation with urologists from the Ruhr area, fans will have the opportunity to undergo an examination there. Afterwards, they can pick up a ball signed by BVB players at the BVB Fanwelt at the stadium. All balls distributed as part of the initiative are provided by PUMA.<\/p>\n<p>Marius Happe, Head of Marketing, Borussia Dortmund:&nbsp;\u201cBorussia Dortmund has always stood for responsibility beyond football. With \u2018Balls for Balls\u2019, we are proud to support an initiative that uses the power of our club and our players to encourage young men to take their health seriously. We value this partnership with FAQ YOU and FAQ Health, because it turns awareness into real action.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Daniel Nagel, CEO, F/A/Q \u2013 The Better Health Group:&nbsp;\u201cHealth communication needs courage, honesty, and strong allies. With \u2018Balls for Balls\u2019,&nbsp;F/A/Q&nbsp;Health&nbsp;is&nbsp;proud to partner with Borussia Dortmund who have shown real commitment by lending their voices, faces, and time to encourage men to take their health seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To ensure that not only stadium visitors can take part, the campaign is being extended into the digital space: on <a href=\"https://www.ballsforballs.de/en\">ballsforballs.de/en<\/a>, fans can find answers to the most important questions about testicular cancer and are encouraged to examine their testicles themselves at home. A key element is a video guide to self-examination. Once fans have watched the video in full, they can unlock a digital certificate signed by the entire BVB squad. In this way, \u201cBalls for Balls\u201d goes beyond the confines of the stadium and enables BVB fans all over the world to get involved. The website, information material and signed certificates are available in both German and English.<\/p>\n<p><b>About FAQ YOU<br>\n <\/b>FAQ YOU is the &nbsp;brand of F/A/Q Health \u2013 The Better Health Group. It is a brand-led health platform designed to empower young people to make informed, confident health decisions. By combining credible medical information, cultural relevance, and real-world access to services, FAQ YOU meets young audiences where health actually happens \u2013 in everyday life, community, and culture. Through innovative formats, partnerships, and activations, FAQ YOU turns health knowledge into action.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35 \u2013 a stat that many are not aware of. Men in these age groups know about testicular cancer but seldom believe that they are susceptible to it. Mainly because of their active lifestyles and young age.&nbsp;This age group also makes up a key part of BVB\u2019s fan base.&nbsp;With no obvious signs or painful symptoms, regular checks are the only way to catch testicular cancer early. However, most men completely avoid a visit to the doctor.<\/p>\n<p>When BVB host FSV Mainz 05 in Dortmund on Matchday 22 of the Bundesliga season, FAQ YOU will set up four campaign tents around SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. In cooperation with urologists from the Ruhr area, fans will have the opportunity to undergo an examination there. Afterwards, they can pick up a ball signed by BVB players at the BVB Fanwelt at the stadium. All balls distributed as part of the initiative are provided by PUMA.<\/p>\n<p>Marius Happe, Head of Marketing, Borussia Dortmund:&nbsp;\u201cBorussia Dortmund has always stood for responsibility beyond football. With \u2018Balls for Balls\u2019, we are proud to support an initiative that uses the power of our club and our players to encourage young men to take their health seriously. We value this partnership with FAQ YOU and FAQ Health, because it turns awareness into real action.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Daniel Nagel, CEO, F/A/Q \u2013 The Better Health Group:&nbsp;\u201cHealth communication needs courage, honesty, and strong allies. With \u2018Balls for Balls\u2019,&nbsp;F/A/Q&nbsp;Health&nbsp;is&nbsp;proud to partner with Borussia Dortmund who have shown real commitment by lending their voices, faces, and time to encourage men to take their health seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>To ensure that not only stadium visitors can take part, the campaign is being extended into the digital space: on <a href=\"https://www.ballsforballs.de/en\">ballsforballs.de/en<\/a>, fans can find answers to the most important questions about testicular cancer and are encouraged to examine their testicles themselves at home. A key element is a video guide to self-examination. Once fans have watched the video in full, they can unlock a digital certificate signed by the entire BVB squad. In this way, \u201cBalls for Balls\u201d goes beyond the confines of the stadium and enables BVB fans all over the world to get involved. The website, information material and signed certificates are available in both German and English.<\/p>\n<p><b>About FAQ YOU<br>\n <\/b>FAQ YOU is the &nbsp;brand of F/A/Q Health \u2013 The Better Health Group. It is a brand-led health platform designed to empower young people to make informed, confident health decisions. By combining credible medical information, cultural relevance, and real-world access to services, FAQ YOU meets young audiences where health actually happens \u2013 in everyday life, community, and culture. Through innovative formats, partnerships, and activations, FAQ YOU turns health knowledge into action.<\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-6d26a1f253","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":"Balls for Balls: BVB and FAQ YOU team up against testicular cancer ","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569236_22_borussiadortmund-1fsvmainz05<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569236_22_borussiadortmund-1fsvmainz05","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/4/Balls-for-Balls-BVB-and-FAQ-YOU-team-up-against-testicular-cancer","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/de/news/2026/02/04/weltkrebstag/A-BallsForBalls.png"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-345c585281":{"dc:description":"<p>The German Football League (DFL) has&nbsp;announced the exact schedule for matchdays 25 to 27 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Borussia Dortmund will play three times on Saturday during this period.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/4/DFL-announces-Bundesliga-matchdays-in-March.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"DFL announces Bundesliga matchdays in March","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-04T10:00:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/4/DFL-announces-Bundesliga-matchdays-in-March.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/04/ansetzungen/Stadion-Fans.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":"04.02.26 10:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>The German Football League (DFL) has&nbsp;announced the exact schedule for matchdays 25 to 27 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Borussia Dortmund will play three times on Saturday during this period.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The German Football League (DFL) has announced the exact schedule for matchdays 25 to 27 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Borussia Dortmund will play three times on Saturday during this period.","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":"<p>On matchday 25, BVB will play 1. FC Köln on Saturday evening (7 March, 18:30 CET). BVB will continue on matchday 26 at home against FC Augsburg (Saturday, 14 March, 15:30 CET), and a week later, the Black &amp; Yellows will host Hamburger SV at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on Saturday evening (21 March, 18:30 CET).<\/p>\n<h2>The Bundesliga fixtures at a glance:<\/h2>\n<table cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody><tr><td>Matchday<\/td>\n<td>Date<\/td>\n<td>Match<\/td>\n<td>Result<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 23.08., 18:30 CET<\/td>\n<td>FC St. Pauli - BVB<\/td>\n<td>3-3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td>\n<td>Su., 31.08., 17:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Union Berlin<\/td>\n<td>3-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 13.09., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>1. FC Heidenheim - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0-2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td>\n<td>Su., 21.09., 19:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - VfL Wolfsburg<\/td>\n<td>1-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 27.09., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>1. FSV Mainz 05 - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0-2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 04.10., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Leipzig<\/td>\n<td>1-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 18.10., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Bayern München - BVB<\/td>\n<td>2-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 25.10., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - 1. FC Köln<\/td>\n<td>1-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 31.10., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>FC Augsburg - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 08.11., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Hamburger SV - BVB<\/td>\n<td>1-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 22.11., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - VfB Stuttgart<\/td>\n<td>3-3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 29.11., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Bayer Leverkusen - BVB<\/td>\n<td>1-2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>13<\/td>\n<td>Su., 07.12., 17:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - TSG 1899 Hoffenheim<\/td>\n<td>2-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td>\n<td>Su., 14.12., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>SC Freiburg - BVB<\/td>\n<td>1-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>15<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 19.12., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Bor. Mönchengladbach<\/td>\n<td>2-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"4\">Winter break<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>16<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 09.01., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Eintracht Frankfurt - BVB<\/td>\n<td>3:3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>17<\/td>\n<td>Tu., 13.01., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Werder Bremen<\/td>\n<td>3:0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>18<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 17.01., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - FC St. Pauli<\/td>\n<td>3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>19<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 24.01., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Union Berlin - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0:3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>20<\/td>\n<td>Su., 01.02., 17:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - 1. FC Heidenheim<\/td>\n<td>3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>21<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 07.02., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>VfL Wolfsburg - BVB<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>22<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 13.02., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - 1. FSV Mainz 05<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>23<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 21.02., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Leipzig - BVB<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>24<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 28.02., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Bayern München<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>25<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 07.03., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>1. FC Köln - Borussia Dortmund<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>26<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 14.03., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - FC Augsburg<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>27<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 21.03., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Hamburger SV<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>On matchday 25, BVB will play 1. FC Köln on Saturday evening (7 March, 18:30 CET). BVB will continue on matchday 26 at home against FC Augsburg (Saturday, 14 March, 15:30 CET), and a week later, the Black &amp; Yellows will host Hamburger SV at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on Saturday evening (21 March, 18:30 CET).<\/p>\n<h2>The Bundesliga fixtures at a glance:<\/h2>\n<table cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody><tr><td>Matchday<\/td>\n<td>Date<\/td>\n<td>Match<\/td>\n<td>Result<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>1<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 23.08., 18:30 CET<\/td>\n<td>FC St. Pauli - BVB<\/td>\n<td>3-3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td>\n<td>Su., 31.08., 17:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Union Berlin<\/td>\n<td>3-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 13.09., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>1. FC Heidenheim - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0-2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td>\n<td>Su., 21.09., 19:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - VfL Wolfsburg<\/td>\n<td>1-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 27.09., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>1. FSV Mainz 05 - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0-2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 04.10., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Leipzig<\/td>\n<td>1-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>7<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 18.10., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Bayern München - BVB<\/td>\n<td>2-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>8<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 25.10., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - 1. FC Köln<\/td>\n<td>1-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>9<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 31.10., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>FC Augsburg - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>10<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 08.11., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Hamburger SV - BVB<\/td>\n<td>1-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>11<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 22.11., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - VfB Stuttgart<\/td>\n<td>3-3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>12<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 29.11., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Bayer Leverkusen - BVB<\/td>\n<td>1-2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>13<\/td>\n<td>Su., 07.12., 17:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - TSG 1899 Hoffenheim<\/td>\n<td>2-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td>\n<td>Su., 14.12., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>SC Freiburg - BVB<\/td>\n<td>1-1<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>15<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 19.12., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Bor. Mönchengladbach<\/td>\n<td>2-0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td colspan=\"4\">Winter break<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>16<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 09.01., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Eintracht Frankfurt - BVB<\/td>\n<td>3:3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>17<\/td>\n<td>Tu., 13.01., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Werder Bremen<\/td>\n<td>3:0<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>18<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 17.01., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - FC St. Pauli<\/td>\n<td>3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>19<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 24.01., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Union Berlin - BVB<\/td>\n<td>0:3<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>20<\/td>\n<td>Su., 01.02., 17:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - 1. FC Heidenheim<\/td>\n<td>3:2<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>21<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 07.02., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>VfL Wolfsburg - BVB<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>22<\/td>\n<td>Fr., 13.02., 20:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - 1. FSV Mainz 05<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>23<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 21.02., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>Leipzig - BVB<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>24<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 28.02., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Bayern München<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>25<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 07.03., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>1. FC Köln - Borussia Dortmund<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>26<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 14.03., 15:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - FC Augsburg<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><td>27<\/td>\n<td>Sa., 21.03., 18:30&nbsp;CET<\/td>\n<td>BVB - Hamburger SV<\/td>\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-345c585281","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":"DFL announces Bundesliga matchdays in March","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"876710405","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/4/DFL-announces-Bundesliga-matchdays-in-March","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/04/ansetzungen/A-Stadion-Fans.png"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-b14cd9ee33":{"dc:description":"<p>The starting lineup is usually announced 60 minutes before a match, but it's normally clear that Waldemar Anton will play, because he always plays when he's fit.&nbsp;A conversation about numbers, dreams and faith, family and friends, street football and a very special victory bonus...<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/3/Waldemar-Anton-why-you-can-always-rely-on-him.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Waldemar Anton: Why you can always rely on him","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-03T11:00:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/3/Waldemar-Anton-why-you-can-always-rely-on-him.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-Profil.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":"03.02.26 11:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>The starting lineup is usually announced 60 minutes before a match, but it's normally clear that Waldemar Anton will play, because he always plays when he's fit.&nbsp;A conversation about numbers, dreams and faith, family and friends, street football and a very special victory bonus...<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The starting lineup is usually announced 60 minutes before a match, but it's normally clear that Waldemar Anton will play, because he always plays when he's fit. A conversation about numbers, dreams and faith, family and friends, street football and a very special victory bonus...","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":"<p><b>What are your aims, hope and dreams for the new year?<br>\n <\/b>Both the team and I have set ourselves a points target. We want to do as well as possible this season, so it's important that we perform at our best in every game.<\/p>\n<p><b>Can you tell us what this points target is?<br>\n<\/b>Actually, I can do tell you. We've divided the season into blocks, and we need four wins in each block to reach the points target. Everyone can work out how many that is themselves&nbsp;(laughs).<\/p>\n<p><b>If the tabloids are to be believed, you no longer have any goals for this season after your unfortunate exit from the DFB-Pokal...<br>\n<\/b>Our exit from the DFB-Pokal against Leverkusen was very, very tough to take. We had actually set ourselves the goal of winning the whole competition because you have more chance of winning the cup than the other two competitions we're in because there are far fewer games. But that doesn't mean the season is over and we still have ambitious goals. It would be the wrong approach if we went into games without believing we can win. Our initial goal is to win the next few games and perform at our best, and then&nbsp; we'll see how everything else turns out in due course.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-DFB.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Anton-DFB-1770117501762\"><\/p>\n<p><b>The myth that a professional footballer's working day ends after 90 minutes of training has long been dispelled. What does a typical weekday look like for you?<br>\n<\/b>If I don't have to take the children to nursery, it's great for me because it means I get an extra half hour in bed and can still get to training quite early. As you get older, it's crucial that you recover well and activate your muscles properly. Then you have training followed by strength exercises, recovery exercises and treatments. It all adds up. It sounds simple, but it's really time-consuming. But I can't complain. It's exactly how I imagined it would be as a child. But of course, you have to invest a lot to be able to perform at your best on the pitch.<\/p>\n<p><b>Is it the icing on the cake to play in front of over 81,000 fans at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on a Saturday?<br>\n<\/b>Even though I've already played a few games, it's an incredible feeling to play in front of the fans. I always think back to my first games when things like this happen. I'll probably only really understand what it all means when I hang up my boots and reflect on it.<\/p>\n<p><b>You got your secondary school diploma with advanced courses in biology and mathematics. Are you still a fan of numbers?<br>\n<\/b>Yes, and I'm looking forward to being able to help my children a little when they have their first maths lessons. I hope I still know how to do it, because it's been a long time. I've always had a knack for working with numbers and an understanding of numbers. Maths has always come very easily to me.<\/p>\n<p><b>Well then, let's see how good you are with numbers. What was your best tackle success rate this season?<br>\n<\/b>84%.<\/p>\n<p><b>Impressive! It was exactly 83.3% away against Mainz. In which game did you contest the most tackles?<\/b><br>\nThat's a good question. I need some help.<\/p>\n<p><b>24 at home against Stuttgart. Where did you win every header?&nbsp;<\/b><br>\nI'd say against Heidenheim.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-Kopfball.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Anton-Kopfball-1770117516085\"><\/p>\n<p><b>150 kilometres away as the crow flies, in Munich. In which game did you have the most shots at goal?<\/b><br>\nI think it was Köln, wasn't it?<\/p>\n<p><b>Correct. Three shots, but none of them went in unfortunately. Karim Adeyemi has clocked over 35 km/h. What was your top speed?<\/b><br>\n33! (Editor's note: Correct! In the match against Köln, Waldemar Anton was recorded at a top speed of 32.8 km/h).<\/p>\n<p><b>On paper, that's not much slower than the speed of a fast sprinter. Or does 2 km/h make a huge difference on the pitch?<\/b><br>\nNo, not at all. As a centre-back, you're in a different position. If you don't necessarily start running together from a line, then you have an advantage as a centre-back because you anticipate where you need to be and how to run to the ball. Because there's always a ball in play...<\/p>\n<p><b>Who have you had the most touches of the ball against so far?<br>\n<\/b>Wow, those are really good questions. I haven't thought about that before. Most touches of the ball were against Union Berlin, right?<\/p>\n<p><b>Heidenheim.<\/b><br>\nThat's right, we also had an extra player. (Editor's note: Heidenheim's Budu Zivzivadze was shown a red card in the 22nd minute.)<\/p>\n<p><b>As a right-sided centre-back or central defender in a back three, are the demands on you as a playmaker greater than when playing as a centre-back in a back four?<br>\n<\/b>Not really. The system is a bit different, but the tasks are basically the same for a centre-back: first and foremost, you have to defend.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Where do you prefer to play: on the right or in the centre of a back three?&nbsp;<br>\n<\/b>I like both positions very much, but if I could choose, I would play in the centre because you can control more from that position and communicate more with the boys, which is very, very important throughout the game. The main thing is to be able to communicate with both defensive midfielders and not just one. But that's not always possible because of the crowd and the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><b>In Jürgen Kohler's day, defenders were considered to be tough guys. However, we have found only one Bundesliga match this season in which you conceded more than one foul: you had two in Augsburg. Has the coach instructed you to give the opponent as few free kicks as possible?&nbsp;<br>\n<\/b>No, not at all. We have very, very good centre-backs here at Borussia Dortmund. Everyone aims to win the ball and keep it in play. Whether it's the number of tackles, touches of the ball or shots,&nbsp; your personal performance data varies significantly from game to game depending on the opponent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>What is striking, however, is that the distance you cover ranges from 11.1 to 11.6 kilometres per game, a range of just 500 metres. Can you explain this?&nbsp;<br>\n<\/b>That has actually changed dramatically compared to the past. We want to have as much possession as possible, and nowadays, even the centre-backs have to be able to open up the game, so it's important to make runs off the ball. Even if you don't get the ball, it's still very important because it opens up other spaces. Those are the metres you cover with and without the ball. And that's also the way we play: defending on the front foot, keeping the pressure on, not waiting around, playing man-to-man. That's how you rack up the kilometres.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><i>Note: The interview was conducted at the beginning of December, so Bundesliga match days 1\u201312 formed the basis for this performance data.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i>In his first year at BVB, Waldemar Anton clocked up fewer kilometres. One of the reasons for this was two consecutive muscle fibre tears, which were the first serious thigh injuries in his ten-year professional career. This happened at a time when Borussia Dortmund was in the midst of a worsening crisis and could have really used the experience and leadership qualities of the former VfB Stuttgart captain. That has completely changed at the start of this season. &quot;Whether he's playing at right centre-back or in the centre, where he has even more responsibility, he's a constant presence,&quot; says Niko Kovac about Waldemar Anton.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>How important is it for you that Niko Kovac has absolute confidence in you?<\/b><br>\nConfidence is very important for a player. The desire to always play doesn't come from nowhere \u2013 you have to be mentally prepared and put the hard work in yourself. Last season didn't go quite as the team or I would have liked, especially at the beginning. We were definitely unlucky at times, but I don't really believe in that, to be honest. I think it's more about performance and if you work hard whether you play or not. Towards the end of the season, things became much more stable and we still managed to qualify for the Champions League after performing significantly better and climbing back up the table. That was extremely important. We generally have a good atmosphere in the team, where everyone pushes themselves to their limits in training and in matches. You can't rest because there's a player behind you who also wants to play. That's crucial. It's the only way we'll get better.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-Nahaufnahme.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Anton-Nahaufnahme-1770117535096\"><\/p>\n<p><i>Work. Work hard for everything. That's what his parents taught him. Waldemar Anton was born as Vladimir Anton in Olmaliq in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan on 20 July 1996. His parents are Russian Germans who moved to Hanover with their son as ethnic German resettlers in 1998. Waldemar could hardly speak German when he started nursery, but he attended a good secondary school and successfully passed his secondary school exams with advanced courses in mathematics and biology. His nickname is \u2018Waldi\u2019, but his actual first name is \u2018Wowa\u2019. Anton describes himself as a street footballer and said in an interview with Sport-Bild: &quot;We lived above a kebab shop. We turned the bicycle racks in front of it into goals and played three against three. At the end, the winner got a kebab.&quot; He played for a club for the first time at the age of seven, and in 2008, at the age of 12, he joined the youth academy of Hannover 96. In August 2015, shortly after his 19th birthday, he played his first game in the Regionalliga, and just under a year later he made his debut in the Bundesliga 2. In 2017, he was promoted to the Bundesliga. In the summer of 2018,&nbsp;shortly after his 22nd birthday, he was named captain by then-coach André Breitenreiter, making him the youngest captain in the Bundesliga.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>You came to Germany 27 years ago as an ethnic German resettler. What shaped you? What were the moments that you would now say were decisive?<br>\n<\/b>Seeing how my parents built everything up here was probably the most important thing as a child. My mother told me that she, my father and I came here without any luggage or belongings. And then, as a child, you think that you have to help too. That shaped me.<\/p>\n<p><b>In your first months at nursery, you are said to have spoken hardly a word of German, but you managed to pass your secondary school exams. What advice would you give to young people who come to Germany with a similar background \u2013 especially here in Dortmund, where the Nordstadt district is characterised by immigration?<br>\n<\/b>You have to have a dream, and you have to believe in it. That's something that can always lift you up when things aren't going so well. And, of course, you have to do everything you can to achieve what you set out to do. And it helps to listen to your parents. You may not always want to admit it, but they often give good advice. I'm sure I've also done things that weren't necessarily what they advised, so then you fall down. The second time around, you realise that you can't do that now and they were right after all. I could imagine that it might also help if you have an older brother or sister.<\/p>\n<p><b>Did you grow up with any siblings?<br>\n<\/b>No, I didn't have any siblings.<\/p>\n<p><b>Would you have liked to have had any siblings?<\/b><br>\nYes, I would have liked to have had some siblings. But thankfully, I always had a few older friends who looked out for me a bit and who had also gone through some tough times.<\/p>\n<p><b>When you walk past a kebab shop today, what's your first thought?<\/b><br>\nMy childhood and playing football in front of the kebab shop. Those are things that will stay with me forever.<\/p>\n<p><b>And the winner got a kebab?<\/b><br>\nYes, that's right. They always got a delicious kebab.<\/p>\n<p><i>Author: Boris Rupert<br>\n Photography: Alexandre Simoes<\/i><\/p>\n<p>The text is taken from the member magazine BORUSSIA. BVB members receive BORUSSIA free of charge every month. Click&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/Der-BVB/Mitgliedschaft/Mitglied-werden\">here<\/a>&nbsp;to access the membership application form.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p><b>What are your aims, hope and dreams for the new year?<br>\n <\/b>Both the team and I have set ourselves a points target. We want to do as well as possible this season, so it's important that we perform at our best in every game.<\/p>\n<p><b>Can you tell us what this points target is?<br>\n<\/b>Actually, I can do tell you. We've divided the season into blocks, and we need four wins in each block to reach the points target. Everyone can work out how many that is themselves&nbsp;(laughs).<\/p>\n<p><b>If the tabloids are to be believed, you no longer have any goals for this season after your unfortunate exit from the DFB-Pokal...<br>\n<\/b>Our exit from the DFB-Pokal against Leverkusen was very, very tough to take. We had actually set ourselves the goal of winning the whole competition because you have more chance of winning the cup than the other two competitions we're in because there are far fewer games. But that doesn't mean the season is over and we still have ambitious goals. It would be the wrong approach if we went into games without believing we can win. Our initial goal is to win the next few games and perform at our best, and then&nbsp; we'll see how everything else turns out in due course.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-DFB.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Anton-DFB-1770117501762\"><\/p>\n<p><b>The myth that a professional footballer's working day ends after 90 minutes of training has long been dispelled. What does a typical weekday look like for you?<br>\n<\/b>If I don't have to take the children to nursery, it's great for me because it means I get an extra half hour in bed and can still get to training quite early. As you get older, it's crucial that you recover well and activate your muscles properly. Then you have training followed by strength exercises, recovery exercises and treatments. It all adds up. It sounds simple, but it's really time-consuming. But I can't complain. It's exactly how I imagined it would be as a child. But of course, you have to invest a lot to be able to perform at your best on the pitch.<\/p>\n<p><b>Is it the icing on the cake to play in front of over 81,000 fans at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on a Saturday?<br>\n<\/b>Even though I've already played a few games, it's an incredible feeling to play in front of the fans. I always think back to my first games when things like this happen. I'll probably only really understand what it all means when I hang up my boots and reflect on it.<\/p>\n<p><b>You got your secondary school diploma with advanced courses in biology and mathematics. Are you still a fan of numbers?<br>\n<\/b>Yes, and I'm looking forward to being able to help my children a little when they have their first maths lessons. I hope I still know how to do it, because it's been a long time. I've always had a knack for working with numbers and an understanding of numbers. Maths has always come very easily to me.<\/p>\n<p><b>Well then, let's see how good you are with numbers. What was your best tackle success rate this season?<br>\n<\/b>84%.<\/p>\n<p><b>Impressive! It was exactly 83.3% away against Mainz. In which game did you contest the most tackles?<\/b><br>\nThat's a good question. I need some help.<\/p>\n<p><b>24 at home against Stuttgart. Where did you win every header?&nbsp;<\/b><br>\nI'd say against Heidenheim.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-Kopfball.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Anton-Kopfball-1770117516085\"><\/p>\n<p><b>150 kilometres away as the crow flies, in Munich. In which game did you have the most shots at goal?<\/b><br>\nI think it was Köln, wasn't it?<\/p>\n<p><b>Correct. Three shots, but none of them went in unfortunately. Karim Adeyemi has clocked over 35 km/h. What was your top speed?<\/b><br>\n33! (Editor's note: Correct! In the match against Köln, Waldemar Anton was recorded at a top speed of 32.8 km/h).<\/p>\n<p><b>On paper, that's not much slower than the speed of a fast sprinter. Or does 2 km/h make a huge difference on the pitch?<\/b><br>\nNo, not at all. As a centre-back, you're in a different position. If you don't necessarily start running together from a line, then you have an advantage as a centre-back because you anticipate where you need to be and how to run to the ball. Because there's always a ball in play...<\/p>\n<p><b>Who have you had the most touches of the ball against so far?<br>\n<\/b>Wow, those are really good questions. I haven't thought about that before. Most touches of the ball were against Union Berlin, right?<\/p>\n<p><b>Heidenheim.<\/b><br>\nThat's right, we also had an extra player. (Editor's note: Heidenheim's Budu Zivzivadze was shown a red card in the 22nd minute.)<\/p>\n<p><b>As a right-sided centre-back or central defender in a back three, are the demands on you as a playmaker greater than when playing as a centre-back in a back four?<br>\n<\/b>Not really. The system is a bit different, but the tasks are basically the same for a centre-back: first and foremost, you have to defend.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Where do you prefer to play: on the right or in the centre of a back three?&nbsp;<br>\n<\/b>I like both positions very much, but if I could choose, I would play in the centre because you can control more from that position and communicate more with the boys, which is very, very important throughout the game. The main thing is to be able to communicate with both defensive midfielders and not just one. But that's not always possible because of the crowd and the atmosphere.<\/p>\n<p><b>In Jürgen Kohler's day, defenders were considered to be tough guys. However, we have found only one Bundesliga match this season in which you conceded more than one foul: you had two in Augsburg. Has the coach instructed you to give the opponent as few free kicks as possible?&nbsp;<br>\n<\/b>No, not at all. We have very, very good centre-backs here at Borussia Dortmund. Everyone aims to win the ball and keep it in play. Whether it's the number of tackles, touches of the ball or shots,&nbsp; your personal performance data varies significantly from game to game depending on the opponent.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>What is striking, however, is that the distance you cover ranges from 11.1 to 11.6 kilometres per game, a range of just 500 metres. Can you explain this?&nbsp;<br>\n<\/b>That has actually changed dramatically compared to the past. We want to have as much possession as possible, and nowadays, even the centre-backs have to be able to open up the game, so it's important to make runs off the ball. Even if you don't get the ball, it's still very important because it opens up other spaces. Those are the metres you cover with and without the ball. And that's also the way we play: defending on the front foot, keeping the pressure on, not waiting around, playing man-to-man. That's how you rack up the kilometres.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><i>Note: The interview was conducted at the beginning of December, so Bundesliga match days 1\u201312 formed the basis for this performance data.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i>In his first year at BVB, Waldemar Anton clocked up fewer kilometres. One of the reasons for this was two consecutive muscle fibre tears, which were the first serious thigh injuries in his ten-year professional career. This happened at a time when Borussia Dortmund was in the midst of a worsening crisis and could have really used the experience and leadership qualities of the former VfB Stuttgart captain. That has completely changed at the start of this season. &quot;Whether he's playing at right centre-back or in the centre, where he has even more responsibility, he's a constant presence,&quot; says Niko Kovac about Waldemar Anton.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>How important is it for you that Niko Kovac has absolute confidence in you?<\/b><br>\nConfidence is very important for a player. The desire to always play doesn't come from nowhere \u2013 you have to be mentally prepared and put the hard work in yourself. Last season didn't go quite as the team or I would have liked, especially at the beginning. We were definitely unlucky at times, but I don't really believe in that, to be honest. I think it's more about performance and if you work hard whether you play or not. Towards the end of the season, things became much more stable and we still managed to qualify for the Champions League after performing significantly better and climbing back up the table. That was extremely important. We generally have a good atmosphere in the team, where everyone pushes themselves to their limits in training and in matches. You can't rest because there's a player behind you who also wants to play. That's crucial. It's the only way we'll get better.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/Anton-Nahaufnahme.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Anton-Nahaufnahme-1770117535096\"><\/p>\n<p><i>Work. Work hard for everything. That's what his parents taught him. Waldemar Anton was born as Vladimir Anton in Olmaliq in the former Soviet republic of Uzbekistan on 20 July 1996. His parents are Russian Germans who moved to Hanover with their son as ethnic German resettlers in 1998. Waldemar could hardly speak German when he started nursery, but he attended a good secondary school and successfully passed his secondary school exams with advanced courses in mathematics and biology. His nickname is \u2018Waldi\u2019, but his actual first name is \u2018Wowa\u2019. Anton describes himself as a street footballer and said in an interview with Sport-Bild: &quot;We lived above a kebab shop. We turned the bicycle racks in front of it into goals and played three against three. At the end, the winner got a kebab.&quot; He played for a club for the first time at the age of seven, and in 2008, at the age of 12, he joined the youth academy of Hannover 96. In August 2015, shortly after his 19th birthday, he played his first game in the Regionalliga, and just under a year later he made his debut in the Bundesliga 2. In 2017, he was promoted to the Bundesliga. In the summer of 2018,&nbsp;shortly after his 22nd birthday, he was named captain by then-coach André Breitenreiter, making him the youngest captain in the Bundesliga.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><b>You came to Germany 27 years ago as an ethnic German resettler. What shaped you? What were the moments that you would now say were decisive?<br>\n<\/b>Seeing how my parents built everything up here was probably the most important thing as a child. My mother told me that she, my father and I came here without any luggage or belongings. And then, as a child, you think that you have to help too. That shaped me.<\/p>\n<p><b>In your first months at nursery, you are said to have spoken hardly a word of German, but you managed to pass your secondary school exams. What advice would you give to young people who come to Germany with a similar background \u2013 especially here in Dortmund, where the Nordstadt district is characterised by immigration?<br>\n<\/b>You have to have a dream, and you have to believe in it. That's something that can always lift you up when things aren't going so well. And, of course, you have to do everything you can to achieve what you set out to do. And it helps to listen to your parents. You may not always want to admit it, but they often give good advice. I'm sure I've also done things that weren't necessarily what they advised, so then you fall down. The second time around, you realise that you can't do that now and they were right after all. I could imagine that it might also help if you have an older brother or sister.<\/p>\n<p><b>Did you grow up with any siblings?<br>\n<\/b>No, I didn't have any siblings.<\/p>\n<p><b>Would you have liked to have had any siblings?<\/b><br>\nYes, I would have liked to have had some siblings. But thankfully, I always had a few older friends who looked out for me a bit and who had also gone through some tough times.<\/p>\n<p><b>When you walk past a kebab shop today, what's your first thought?<\/b><br>\nMy childhood and playing football in front of the kebab shop. Those are things that will stay with me forever.<\/p>\n<p><b>And the winner got a kebab?<\/b><br>\nYes, that's right. They always got a delicious kebab.<\/p>\n<p><i>Author: Boris Rupert<br>\n Photography: Alexandre Simoes<\/i><\/p>\n<p>The text is taken from the member magazine BORUSSIA. BVB members receive BORUSSIA free of charge every month. Click&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/Der-BVB/Mitgliedschaft/Mitglied-werden\">here<\/a>&nbsp;to access the membership application form.<\/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":"Waldemar Anton: Why you can always rely on him","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-690316610","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/3/Waldemar-Anton-why-you-can-always-rely-on-him","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/story"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/03/anton-aus-der-borussia/A-Anton-Profil.png"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Women Football","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4e754267a6":{"dc:description":"<p>For the past three weeks, Borussia Dortmund\u2019s women's team has been preparing for the second half of the Regionalliga West season. The team is using this time for various activities, including friendly matches, tactical sessions, and individual meetings. Following their 3-1 win in a friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday (1 February), head coach Markus Högner provides an update on the team's preparations.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/3/Preparations-on-schedule-BVB-women-win-friendly-against-second-division-side.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Preparations on schedule: BVB women win friendly against second division side","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-03T09:59:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/3/Preparations-on-schedule-BVB-women-win-friendly-against-second-division-side.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/frauen-zwischenbilanz/Hoegner.png"],"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":"03.02.26 09:59 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>For the past three weeks, Borussia Dortmund\u2019s women's team has been preparing for the second half of the Regionalliga West season. The team is using this time for various activities, including friendly matches, tactical sessions, and individual meetings. Following their 3-1 win in a friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday (1 February), head coach Markus Högner provides an update on the team's preparations.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"For the past three weeks, Borussia Dortmund\u2019s women's team has been preparing for the second half of the Regionalliga West season. The team is using this time for various activities, including friendly matches, tactical sessions, and individual meetings. Following their 3-1 win in a friendly against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday (1 February), head coach Markus Högner provides an update on the team's preparations.","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":"<p>The pre-season training weeks are well-planned: The BVB women started with intensive strength training sessions and getting used to the ball. In addition, a different tactical focus is being trained each week. \u201cLast week, the focus was on counter-pressing,\u201d emphasizes head coach Markus Högner, pleased that his players implemented what they had practiced in the friendly match.<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday (1 February), the BVB women's team won their friendly match against Borussia Mönchengladbach at their training ground in Dortmund-Brackel. Counter-pressing was a key factor in their 3-1 victory against the second-division side. \u201cWe immediately put the opponent under pressure after losing possession, were well-structured, and remained flexible within our system,\u201d said Markus Högner.<\/p>\n<p><b>Markus Högner: \u201cWe took control of the game again\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>As&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/1/17/BVB-Frauen-unterliegen-Bundesligist-Nuernberg.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">against Nuremberg<\/a>,&nbsp;the BVB women initially lined up with a back three, created numerous scoring opportunities, and took a 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to two goals from Ann-Sophie Vogel. After the break, BVB made five substitutions and initially conceded a goal. Then the flexibility mentioned by the head coach came into play: \u201cAfter switching back to our familiar back four, we regained control of the game. In the end, Emilia Pauls scored the third goal with a fantastic long-range shot,\u201d said the head coach, praising his young players in particular for their performance in the second half..<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/1/30/Marina-Scholz-schliesst-sich-den-BVB-Frauen-an.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New signing Marina Scholz<\/a>,&nbsp;made her debut in the black and yellow jersey in the friendly win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After just one training session, the 19-year-old was already able to display her technical skills in both the number 8 and 10 positions. Goalkeeper Laura van der Laan was not in the squad due to a hand injury. \u201cShe's training normally, not doing any specific goalkeeper training, but it's good for her to participate in the various drills with the ball at her feet,\u201d explained Markus Högner. The number 1 goalkeeper is expected to return to training in two weeks.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/frauen-zwischenbilanz/Scholz.png\" data-assetref=\"Scholz-1770113796528\"><\/p>\n<p>This week's training will focus on revisiting and finalizing the defensive aspects of recent weeks. After a weekend off, the focus will shift to offense. Video analysis and individual discussions will help the coaching staff address these topics thoroughly. The head coach emphasised, \u201cOur preparation has been truly terrific. We've been able to train in all kinds of weather so far, and it's a real pleasure to see the players so dedicated.\u201d The Black and Yellows have four more friendlies scheduled before their Regionalliga West campaign resumes on March 15th against Borussia Mönchengladbach II.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>The pre-season training weeks are well-planned: The BVB women started with intensive strength training sessions and getting used to the ball. In addition, a different tactical focus is being trained each week. \u201cLast week, the focus was on counter-pressing,\u201d emphasizes head coach Markus Högner, pleased that his players implemented what they had practiced in the friendly match.<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday (1 February), the BVB women's team won their friendly match against Borussia Mönchengladbach at their training ground in Dortmund-Brackel. Counter-pressing was a key factor in their 3-1 victory against the second-division side. \u201cWe immediately put the opponent under pressure after losing possession, were well-structured, and remained flexible within our system,\u201d said Markus Högner.<\/p>\n<p><b>Markus Högner: \u201cWe took control of the game again\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<p>As&nbsp;<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/1/17/BVB-Frauen-unterliegen-Bundesligist-Nuernberg.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">against Nuremberg<\/a>,&nbsp;the BVB women initially lined up with a back three, created numerous scoring opportunities, and took a 2-0 lead into halftime thanks to two goals from Ann-Sophie Vogel. After the break, BVB made five substitutions and initially conceded a goal. Then the flexibility mentioned by the head coach came into play: \u201cAfter switching back to our familiar back four, we regained control of the game. In the end, Emilia Pauls scored the third goal with a fantastic long-range shot,\u201d said the head coach, praising his young players in particular for their performance in the second half..<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/1/30/Marina-Scholz-schliesst-sich-den-BVB-Frauen-an.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New signing Marina Scholz<\/a>,&nbsp;made her debut in the black and yellow jersey in the friendly win against Borussia Mönchengladbach. After just one training session, the 19-year-old was already able to display her technical skills in both the number 8 and 10 positions. Goalkeeper Laura van der Laan was not in the squad due to a hand injury. \u201cShe's training normally, not doing any specific goalkeeper training, but it's good for her to participate in the various drills with the ball at her feet,\u201d explained Markus Högner. The number 1 goalkeeper is expected to return to training in two weeks.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/frauen-zwischenbilanz/Scholz.png\" data-assetref=\"Scholz-1770113796528\"><\/p>\n<p>This week's training will focus on revisiting and finalizing the defensive aspects of recent weeks. After a weekend off, the focus will shift to offense. Video analysis and individual discussions will help the coaching staff address these topics thoroughly. The head coach emphasised, \u201cOur preparation has been truly terrific. We've been able to train in all kinds of weather so far, and it's a real pleasure to see the players so dedicated.\u201d The Black and Yellows have four more friendlies scheduled before their Regionalliga West campaign resumes on March 15th against Borussia Mönchengladbach II.<\/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":"Preparations on schedule: BVB women win friendly against second division side","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/3/Preparations-on-schedule-BVB-women-win-friendly-against-second-division-side","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/frauen-zwischenbilanz/A-Hoegner.png"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Fans","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"<p>BVB legends, Black and Yellow history, a day for the whole family: the Game of the Century returns to the Rote Erde! Back where BVB shot the then-reigning European Cup champions Benfica Lisbon out of the stadium with a 5-0 victory in 1963, our legends, presented by Vodafone, want to make history once again. On March 25, 2026, the legends teams of both clubs will face off in a special match at 7pm \u2013 and you can be there live to cheer on the BVB legends.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/2/Rematch-of-the-Game-of-the-Century-Legends-welcome-Benfica-to-the-Rote-Erde.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Rematch of the \u201cGame of the Century\u201d \u2013 Legends welcome Benfica to the Rote Erde","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-02T15:00:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/2/Rematch-of-the-Game-of-the-Century-Legends-welcome-Benfica-to-the-Rote-Erde.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/vvk-legendenspiel/neuEN.png"],"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":"02.02.26 15:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>BVB legends, Black and Yellow history, a day for the whole family: the Game of the Century returns to the Rote Erde! Back where BVB shot the then-reigning European Cup champions Benfica Lisbon out of the stadium with a 5-0 victory in 1963, our legends, presented by Vodafone, want to make history once again. On March 25, 2026, the legends teams of both clubs will face off in a special match at 7pm \u2013 and you can be there live to cheer on the BVB legends.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"BVB legends, Black and Yellow history, a day for the whole family: the Game of the Century returns to the Rote Erde! Back where BVB shot the then-reigning European Cup champions Benfica Lisbon out of the stadium with a 5-0 victory in 1963, our legends, presented by Vodafone, want to make history once again. On March 25, 2026, the legends teams of both clubs will face off in a special match at 7pm \u2013 and you can be there live to cheer on the BVB legends.","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":"<p>Goals, emotions, goosebumps: December 4, 1963, is one of the greatest days in Borussia Dortmund\u2019s history. In the second leg of the European Cup of Champions\u2019 Round of 16, BVB defeated Portuguese champions and defending titleholders Benfica Lisbon 5-0 at the Rote Erde stadium \u2013 a match that still holds a special place in Borussia Dortmund\u2019s history. In the anniversary year \u201c100 Years of Rote Erde Stadium,\u201d we\u2019re bringing this Game of the Century back to life \u2013 right where it all happened.<\/p>\n<p>Experience the BVB legends up close on March 25: former professionals like Roman Weidenfeller, Kevin Großkreutz, Marcio Amoroso, Dede, Marcel Schmelzer, and Jan Koller will lace up their boots for the Black and Yellows. Benfica will send out the likes of Carlos Garcia, Andre Almeida, and Eliseu. Look forward to more BVB legends \u2013 we\u2019ll announce the full squad in the coming weeks. There will also be a Black and Yellow programme for the whole family surrounding the match \u2013 and that's not all: there's even more history surrounding the match of the century for young and old alike at the BORUSSEUM. Two great clubs, big names, and a stage full of tradition.<\/p>\n<p><b>Ticket Information<\/b><\/p>\n<p>If you want to experience the legends match live, you can secure your tickets for the game now in the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/en/legenden/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvben&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=int_legendenspiel-benfica26&amp;bvb_cid=int_legendenspiel-benfica26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Ticket prices:<\/b><ul>\n<li>Seat: \u20ac20 (reduced: \u20ac10)<\/li>\n<li>Standing: \u20ac10 (reduced: \u20ac5)<\/li>\n<li>Reductions apply to children and young people up to and including 17 years of age, as well as to people with severe disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Wheelchair users can request their ticket in advance of the match (price: \u20ac10) via our fan representatives (<a href=\"mailto:[email protected]\">[email protected]<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>A separate ticket allocation is available for away fans, which can be obtained through the visiting club.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Get your tickets now for the legendary Rote Erde! We would like to thank our partners Vodafone, PUMA and Rowe for their support.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>Goals, emotions, goosebumps: December 4, 1963, is one of the greatest days in Borussia Dortmund\u2019s history. In the second leg of the European Cup of Champions\u2019 Round of 16, BVB defeated Portuguese champions and defending titleholders Benfica Lisbon 5-0 at the Rote Erde stadium \u2013 a match that still holds a special place in Borussia Dortmund\u2019s history. In the anniversary year \u201c100 Years of Rote Erde Stadium,\u201d we\u2019re bringing this Game of the Century back to life \u2013 right where it all happened.<\/p>\n<p>Experience the BVB legends up close on March 25: former professionals like Roman Weidenfeller, Kevin Großkreutz, Marcio Amoroso, Dede, Marcel Schmelzer, and Jan Koller will lace up their boots for the Black and Yellows. Benfica will send out the likes of Carlos Garcia, Andre Almeida, and Eliseu. Look forward to more BVB legends \u2013 we\u2019ll announce the full squad in the coming weeks. There will also be a Black and Yellow programme for the whole family surrounding the match \u2013 and that's not all: there's even more history surrounding the match of the century for young and old alike at the BORUSSEUM. Two great clubs, big names, and a stage full of tradition.<\/p>\n<p><b>Ticket Information<\/b><\/p>\n<p>If you want to experience the legends match live, you can secure your tickets for the game now in the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/en/legenden/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvben&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=int_legendenspiel-benfica26&amp;bvb_cid=int_legendenspiel-benfica26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Ticket prices:<\/b><ul>\n<li>Seat: \u20ac20 (reduced: \u20ac10)<\/li>\n<li>Standing: \u20ac10 (reduced: \u20ac5)<\/li>\n<li>Reductions apply to children and young people up to and including 17 years of age, as well as to people with severe disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Wheelchair users can request their ticket in advance of the match (price: \u20ac10) via our fan representatives (<a href=\"mailto:[email protected]\">[email protected]<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>A separate ticket allocation is available for away fans, which can be obtained through the visiting club.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Get your tickets now for the legendary Rote Erde! We would like to thank our partners Vodafone, PUMA and Rowe for their support.<\/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":"Rematch of the \u201cGame of the Century\u201d \u2013 Legends welcome Benfica to the Rote Erde","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-1711229931","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/2/Rematch-of-the-Game-of-the-Century-Legends-welcome-Benfica-to-the-Rote-Erde","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/vvk-legendenspiel/A-Legenden-EN.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-3304a94386":{"dc:description":"<p>Five matches, each with exactly three goals scored, four wins, one draw: Borussia Dortmund have made a great start to 2026 in the Bundesliga despite an extremely busy schedule. While all German football fans are dreaming of an open title race, with BVB having reduced the gap to leaders Bayern Munich from nine to six points, Niko Kovac prefers to look \u201cin the rear-view mirror\u201d. Because the game against Heidenheim was not \u201cmasterful\u201d. It was characterised primarily by a sheer determination to secure three points at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/2/BVB-in-second-place-and-checking-the-rearview-mirror.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"BVB in second place and checking the rearview mirror ","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-02T12:20:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/2/BVB-in-second-place-and-checking-the-rearview-mirror.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/bl-nachbericht/67M-Schlotterbeck-Guirassy.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":"02.02.26 12:20 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>Five matches, each with exactly three goals scored, four wins, one draw: Borussia Dortmund have made a great start to 2026 in the Bundesliga despite an extremely busy schedule. While all German football fans are dreaming of an open title race, with BVB having reduced the gap to leaders Bayern Munich from nine to six points, Niko Kovac prefers to look \u201cin the rear-view mirror\u201d. Because the game against Heidenheim was not \u201cmasterful\u201d. It was characterised primarily by a sheer determination to secure three points at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Five matches, each with exactly three goals scored, four wins, one draw: Borussia Dortmund have made a great start to 2026 in the Bundesliga despite an extremely busy schedule. While all German football fans are dreaming of an open title race, with BVB having reduced the gap to leaders Bayern Munich from nine to six points, Niko Kovac prefers to look \u201cin the rear-view mirror\u201d. Because the game against Heidenheim was not \u201cmasterful\u201d. It was characterised primarily by a sheer determination to secure three points at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.","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":"<p>\u201cWe're fighting, we're working hard for our victories. That\u2019s an important quality when you're playing games like this. But my focus is clearly on the rear-view mirror for now,\u201d was Niko Kovac\u2019s honest evaluation after a somewhat fortunate but nonetheless deserved 3-2 victory over 1. FC Heidenheim, whose courageous performance was anything but that of a team at the bottom of the table. The statistics clearly favoured Borussia Dortmund: 20 shots to 12, 4.17 to 2.54 x-goals (i.e. the expected number of goals based on the quality of chances), 12:3 corners, 58% possession and also three kilometres more distance covered (BVB: 120.1 / FCH: 117.2) clearly favoured Borussia Dortmund \u2013 but Marvin Pieringer had two great chances to put the visitors 3-1 ahead, and Arijon Ibrahimovic and Mikkel Kaufmann had chances to make it 3-3 in added time. In the past, Borussia Dortmund might have let a game like this slip away.<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday evening, however, the team held on to their 3-2 lead and reduced the gap to league leaders Bayern Munich to six points. However, the league leaders\u2019 34-goal superiority in goal difference means that the gap is effectively seven points. And that is exactly seven points (only) ahead of fifth place, assuming Leverkusen win their postponed match against HSV.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are still 14 matches to go,\u201d emphasised Kovac: \u201cI arrived on Matchday 21 last year, so I know how many points are still up for grabs. We\u2019ve managed to jump from 11th to fourth place, and I know full well that the others will try to do the same. That\u2019s why we\u2019re earning points to keep the others chasing us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/bl-nachbericht/67-Guirassy-Kovac.jpg\" data-assetref=\"67-Guirassy-Kovac-1770031193156\"><\/p>\n<p>In a game that was \u201cat times chaotic\u201d in the second half (according to Nico Schlotterbeck), BVB initially let a hard-earned 1-0 lead slip away after Waldemar Anton\u2019s goal in the 44th minute, and shortly after half-time they were 2-1 down after Julian Niehues scored twice in quick succession.BVB faltered (Pieringer could have made it 3-1), but they didn\u2019t fall, they fought their way back. After an hour, there was a handball penalty \u2013 and unusual scenes between the now eternal lamenting and the execution. Nico Schlotterbeck, captain for the evening, grabbed the ball.<\/p>\n<p>The regular penalty takers, Emre Can (ill) and Ramy Bensebaini (on the bench), were not on the pitch. Just before the spotkick was taken, Schlotterbeck handed the ball to Serhou Guirassy. It was a ploy, as Schlotterbeck hinted after the game <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/2/1/Kovac-Solche-Spiele-moechte-ich-sicherer-schneller-und-frueher-entschieden-sehen.html\">in an interview with DAZN<\/a> and Kovac later explained in more detail at the press conference: \u201cSchlotti laid a false trail. Because often, when the kicker has the ball while everything is still being checked, dozens of opposing players run past, trying to influence and manipulate the kicker. Schlotti simply took charge and gave Serhou the peace and quiet he needed to take the penalty.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/bl-nachbericht/67-Fans.jpg\" data-assetref=\"67-Fans-1770031269443\"><\/p>\n<p>Guirassy converted and made it 3-2 just 84 (!) seconds after a counterattack. But five minutes before the end, with BVB\u2019s second penalty, the diversionary tactic didn\u2019t work. Guirassy missed and was thus indirectly responsible for the turbulent final phase, which probably wouldn\u2019t have happened had BVB taken a 4-2 lead. Guirassy was nevertheless the match winner, even if he no longer wants to take penalties in the future. \u201cPenalties are over for me for now,\u201d he said after his fifth miss in all competitions in the past 12 months. \u201cMister 100%,\u201d Emre Can, should be fit again by next Saturday\u2019s away game in Wolfsburg.<br>\n<i>Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBci0swFmyQ\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch highlights of the match.<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>\u201cWe're fighting, we're working hard for our victories. That\u2019s an important quality when you're playing games like this. But my focus is clearly on the rear-view mirror for now,\u201d was Niko Kovac\u2019s honest evaluation after a somewhat fortunate but nonetheless deserved 3-2 victory over 1. FC Heidenheim, whose courageous performance was anything but that of a team at the bottom of the table. The statistics clearly favoured Borussia Dortmund: 20 shots to 12, 4.17 to 2.54 x-goals (i.e. the expected number of goals based on the quality of chances), 12:3 corners, 58% possession and also three kilometres more distance covered (BVB: 120.1 / FCH: 117.2) clearly favoured Borussia Dortmund \u2013 but Marvin Pieringer had two great chances to put the visitors 3-1 ahead, and Arijon Ibrahimovic and Mikkel Kaufmann had chances to make it 3-3 in added time. In the past, Borussia Dortmund might have let a game like this slip away.<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday evening, however, the team held on to their 3-2 lead and reduced the gap to league leaders Bayern Munich to six points. However, the league leaders\u2019 34-goal superiority in goal difference means that the gap is effectively seven points. And that is exactly seven points (only) ahead of fifth place, assuming Leverkusen win their postponed match against HSV.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere are still 14 matches to go,\u201d emphasised Kovac: \u201cI arrived on Matchday 21 last year, so I know how many points are still up for grabs. We\u2019ve managed to jump from 11th to fourth place, and I know full well that the others will try to do the same. That\u2019s why we\u2019re earning points to keep the others chasing us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/bl-nachbericht/67-Guirassy-Kovac.jpg\" data-assetref=\"67-Guirassy-Kovac-1770031193156\"><\/p>\n<p>In a game that was \u201cat times chaotic\u201d in the second half (according to Nico Schlotterbeck), BVB initially let a hard-earned 1-0 lead slip away after Waldemar Anton\u2019s goal in the 44th minute, and shortly after half-time they were 2-1 down after Julian Niehues scored twice in quick succession.BVB faltered (Pieringer could have made it 3-1), but they didn\u2019t fall, they fought their way back. After an hour, there was a handball penalty \u2013 and unusual scenes between the now eternal lamenting and the execution. Nico Schlotterbeck, captain for the evening, grabbed the ball.<\/p>\n<p>The regular penalty takers, Emre Can (ill) and Ramy Bensebaini (on the bench), were not on the pitch. Just before the spotkick was taken, Schlotterbeck handed the ball to Serhou Guirassy. It was a ploy, as Schlotterbeck hinted after the game <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/2/1/Kovac-Solche-Spiele-moechte-ich-sicherer-schneller-und-frueher-entschieden-sehen.html\">in an interview with DAZN<\/a> and Kovac later explained in more detail at the press conference: \u201cSchlotti laid a false trail. Because often, when the kicker has the ball while everything is still being checked, dozens of opposing players run past, trying to influence and manipulate the kicker. Schlotti simply took charge and gave Serhou the peace and quiet he needed to take the penalty.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/bl-nachbericht/67-Fans.jpg\" data-assetref=\"67-Fans-1770031269443\"><\/p>\n<p>Guirassy converted and made it 3-2 just 84 (!) seconds after a counterattack. But five minutes before the end, with BVB\u2019s second penalty, the diversionary tactic didn\u2019t work. Guirassy missed and was thus indirectly responsible for the turbulent final phase, which probably wouldn\u2019t have happened had BVB taken a 4-2 lead. Guirassy was nevertheless the match winner, even if he no longer wants to take penalties in the future. \u201cPenalties are over for me for now,\u201d he said after his fifth miss in all competitions in the past 12 months. \u201cMister 100%,\u201d Emre Can, should be fit again by next Saturday\u2019s away game in Wolfsburg.<br>\n<i>Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBci0swFmyQ\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch highlights of the match.<\/a><\/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":"BVB in second place and checking the rearview mirror ","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569217_20_borussiadortmund-1fcheidenheim1846<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569217_20_borussiadortmund-1fcheidenheim1846","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-1242223500","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/2/BVB-in-second-place-and-checking-the-rearview-mirror","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/nachbericht"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/bl-nachbericht/67A-Schlotterbeck-Guirassy.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"<p>There was no lavish gala to mark his milestone. Nevertheless, Gregor Kobel was \u201cmega happy\u201d after making his 200th competitive appearance for Borussia Dortmund. The hard-fought <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/2/1/32-Borussia-gewinnt-enges-Spiel-gegen-Heidenheim.html\">3-2 win against Heidenheim<\/a> ultimately cemented the team\u2019s second place in the table. \u201cSure, it was too wild,\u201d admitted the goalkeeper, \u201cbut the points are all that matter. It\u2019s important to focus on the positive things.\u201d<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/2/2/200-matches-for-BVB-Kobel-mega-happy-after-milestone-victory.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"200 matches for BVB: Kobel \u201cmega happy\u201d after milestone victory","repo:modifyDate":"2026-02-02T10:43:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"value":[""],"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/2026/2/2/200-matches-for-BVB-Kobel-mega-happy-after-milestone-victory.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/200-spiele-kobel/Kobel.png"],"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":"02.02.26 10:43 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>There was no lavish gala to mark his milestone. Nevertheless, Gregor Kobel was \u201cmega happy\u201d after making his 200th competitive appearance for Borussia Dortmund. The hard-fought <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/2/1/32-Borussia-gewinnt-enges-Spiel-gegen-Heidenheim.html\">3-2 win against Heidenheim<\/a> ultimately cemented the team\u2019s second place in the table. \u201cSure, it was too wild,\u201d admitted the goalkeeper, \u201cbut the points are all that matter. It\u2019s important to focus on the positive things.\u201d<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"There was no lavish gala to mark his milestone. Nevertheless, Gregor Kobel was \u201cmega happy\u201d after making his 200th competitive appearance for Borussia Dortmund. The hard-fought 3-2 win against Heidenheim ultimately cemented the team\u2019s second place in the table. \u201cSure, it was too wild,\u201d admitted the goalkeeper, \u201cbut the points are all that matter. It\u2019s important to focus on the positive things.\u201d","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":"<p>The goalkeeper proudly pointed to his team\u2019s strong Bundesliga performance since the end of the winter break. \u201cWe\u2019ve won four out of five games and drawn one. That\u2019s a great statistic.\u201d With 45 points after 20 games, BVB now have their best record at this point in a season since Kobel\u2019s move from VfB Stuttgart to Dortmund in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>The fact that Borussia have conceded only 19 goals so far, making them the second-best defence in the league and just behind league leaders Bayern (18) in this category, is also thanks to the 28-year-old. This is a significant reduction in goals conceded compared to last season (34). BVB also let in more goals in the comparable periods of his first three seasons in 2021/2022 (31), 2022/23 (26) and 2023/24 (26).<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/200-spiele-kobel/Kobel-Interview.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Kobel-Interview-1770029874679\"><\/p>\n<p>Kobel\u2019s performances are highly regarded not only in Dortmund, but also among experts. The magazine <i>kicker<\/i> attested to his \u201cspotless\u201d performance in the first half of the season and named him the best goalkeeper of the first half of the season \u2013 ahead of Peter Gulácsi (RB Leipzig) and German national goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim). \u201cThis is confirmation of his performance. Greg has been very consistent over the last six months. He works incredibly meticulously, constantly thinks about his goalkeeping and always wants to improve,\u201d commented BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl. The award was nothing new for Kobel: he had already topped the kicker rankings in the winter of 2022/23.<\/p>\n<p>The list of his strong performances in goal for BVB is long. This season, Kobel shone in Borussia\u2019s cup victory in Frankfurt, keeping BVB in the game with brilliant saves and parrying the final spotkick from Eintracht's Farès Chaibi in the penalty shoot-out. The Zurich-born player also made headlines internationally. In the Swiss national team, he equalled Yann Sommer\u2019s record of five consecutive international matches without conceding a goal and played a key role in the team\u2019s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/200-spiele-kobel/Kobel-Pokal.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Kobel-Pokal-1770029863064\"><\/p>\n<p>In the Bundesliga, the number of clean sheets in particular underlines his quality. Kobel has not conceded a goal in ten matches \u2013 half of his league appearances so far this season. This brings him closer to his personal best from the 2022/23 season (11) and even Roman Weidenfeller\u2019s club record (15) from the 2011/12 championship season. However, Manuel Neuer\u2019s Bundesliga record of 20 clean sheets (2014/15) is probably out of reach.<\/p>\n<p>Even though Dortmund\u2019s defence was not as solid against Heidenheim as it had been a week earlier in the 3-0 win in Berlin, there have been huge strides made this season. \u201cThere were certainly things we could have done better today. But we\u2019ve had some very good defensive performances,\u201d he said of the match against the bottom club. But despite all the joy of the 3-2 win, he prefers victories where he doesn\u2019t have to pick the ball out of his net at all. \u201cThat\u2019s when it feels best,\u201d admitted the keeper.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DUON-wUCHak/\">To Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>The goalkeeper proudly pointed to his team\u2019s strong Bundesliga performance since the end of the winter break. \u201cWe\u2019ve won four out of five games and drawn one. That\u2019s a great statistic.\u201d With 45 points after 20 games, BVB now have their best record at this point in a season since Kobel\u2019s move from VfB Stuttgart to Dortmund in 2021.<\/p>\n<p>The fact that Borussia have conceded only 19 goals so far, making them the second-best defence in the league and just behind league leaders Bayern (18) in this category, is also thanks to the 28-year-old. This is a significant reduction in goals conceded compared to last season (34). BVB also let in more goals in the comparable periods of his first three seasons in 2021/2022 (31), 2022/23 (26) and 2023/24 (26).<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/200-spiele-kobel/Kobel-Interview.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Kobel-Interview-1770029874679\"><\/p>\n<p>Kobel\u2019s performances are highly regarded not only in Dortmund, but also among experts. The magazine <i>kicker<\/i> attested to his \u201cspotless\u201d performance in the first half of the season and named him the best goalkeeper of the first half of the season \u2013 ahead of Peter Gulácsi (RB Leipzig) and German national goalkeeper Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim). \u201cThis is confirmation of his performance. Greg has been very consistent over the last six months. He works incredibly meticulously, constantly thinks about his goalkeeping and always wants to improve,\u201d commented BVB sporting director Sebastian Kehl. The award was nothing new for Kobel: he had already topped the kicker rankings in the winter of 2022/23.<\/p>\n<p>The list of his strong performances in goal for BVB is long. This season, Kobel shone in Borussia\u2019s cup victory in Frankfurt, keeping BVB in the game with brilliant saves and parrying the final spotkick from Eintracht's Farès Chaibi in the penalty shoot-out. The Zurich-born player also made headlines internationally. In the Swiss national team, he equalled Yann Sommer\u2019s record of five consecutive international matches without conceding a goal and played a key role in the team\u2019s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n<p><img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/200-spiele-kobel/Kobel-Pokal.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Kobel-Pokal-1770029863064\"><\/p>\n<p>In the Bundesliga, the number of clean sheets in particular underlines his quality. Kobel has not conceded a goal in ten matches \u2013 half of his league appearances so far this season. This brings him closer to his personal best from the 2022/23 season (11) and even Roman Weidenfeller\u2019s club record (15) from the 2011/12 championship season. However, Manuel Neuer\u2019s Bundesliga record of 20 clean sheets (2014/15) is probably out of reach.<\/p>\n<p>Even though Dortmund\u2019s defence was not as solid against Heidenheim as it had been a week earlier in the 3-0 win in Berlin, there have been huge strides made this season. \u201cThere were certainly things we could have done better today. But we\u2019ve had some very good defensive performances,\u201d he said of the match against the bottom club. But despite all the joy of the 3-2 win, he prefers victories where he doesn\u2019t have to pick the ball out of his net at all. \u201cThat\u2019s when it feels best,\u201d admitted the keeper.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DUON-wUCHak/\">To Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4313265134","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":"200 matches for BVB: Kobel \u201cmega happy\u201d after milestone victory","exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569217_20_borussiadortmund-1fcheidenheim1846<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569217_20_borussiadortmund-1fcheidenheim1846","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"1432116093","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. DO NOT EDIT EXISTING VALUES!)","multiValue":false,"value":"2026/2/2/200-matches-for-BVB-Kobel-mega-happy-after-milestone-victory","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"tags":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"tags","title":"Tags","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"scheduledPushTime":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"scheduledPushTime","title":"Scheduled Push Date and Time","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"calendar"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/story"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/02/02/200-spiele-kobel/A-Kobel.png"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}