Interview

“That’s why I’m here” – Nico Schlotterbeck on his decision in favour of BVB

“I’ve always said that I listen to my inner voice and weigh things up. I have now come to the conclusion that extending my contract is the right move for my career.” Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck deliberately took his time over his decision: “I’m 26 now and had to make a fundamental decision.” Here, he explains why he made this choice and what role the club and the fans played.

Nico Schlotterbeck wanted to weigh up all the options carefully. At the same time, however, he was always clear about how important Borussia Dortmund is to him: “Basically, I knew what I have in this club and what I will continue to have here in the future. That’s why I’ve now decided to stay with BVB. I’m absolutely delighted to be extending my contract here.”

The sporting prospects were also important to him. The centre-back wanted to know where the club was heading and what it aims to achieve in the coming years. His own goals are clearly defined: “Of course, my aim is to win a title. And of course I want to win titles with BVB.” That is why he looked closely at the plan presented to him by BVB’s management: “They put it to me. I am in complete agreement with it.”

For him, the contract extension is also a promise to take on even more responsibility: “I’m going to step up now so that we can win a title with BVB. That’s what we all play for at BVB.” He also looks back on the recent past: “Of course, we’ve come close twice before, in 2023 and 2024. I’ve seen what can be achieved here, the sheer power that the club, the stadium and the city can unleash.” That is exactly where he wants to pick up: “That’s why this is the big goal I want to achieve with BVB. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I signed my first contract almost four years ago, and that’s why I’ve signed now.”

So, as well as the sporting prospects, the environment also plays a big part: “It just felt right after the first few years, and I also felt very appreciated by the way I was welcomed back after my injury.” It was the fans’ reactions in particular that gave him a boost: “I know what the fans want from me. I always try to give my all, and I think the fans appreciate that. I’m an emotional sort on the pitch. In the dressing room, I’m loud, but not so emotional. And I think that fits in well with the Ruhr region.”

More News

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6d26a1f253":{"dc:description":"Borussia Dortmund has extended its contract with Nico Schlotterbeck (26) until 2031. The German international signed his new contract this Friday.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/10/Borussia-Dortmund-extends-contract-with-Nico-Schlotterbeck.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Borussia Dortmund extends contract with Nico Schlotterbeck","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-10T13:30:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/10/Borussia-Dortmund-extends-contract-with-Nico-Schlotterbeck.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-meldung/Ricken-Schlotterbeck-Book-Cramer.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":"10.04.26 13:30 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Borussia Dortmund has extended its contract with Nico Schlotterbeck (26) until 2031. The German international signed his new contract this Friday.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund has extended its contract with Nico Schlotterbeck (26) until 2031. The German international signed his new contract this Friday.","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":"Borussia Dortmund\u2019s CEO, Carsten Cramer, says: \u201cThe contract extension with Nico Schlotterbeck is of enormous significance. He is of great value to us, both as a player and as a person. And Nico, in turn, knows exactly what he has in our club. He is highly valued and senses that we are building something here right now. That\u2019s why we\u2019re very pleased that we were able to extend his contract, which was set to expire next year, early.\u201d<\/p>\nSchlotterbeck joined Dortmund from SC Freiburg in 2022 and has since played 155 competitive matches for the Black and Yellows. The center back has scored 10 goals and provided 18 assists. Schlotterbeck has now played 25 matches for the German national team since his debut in 2022.<\/p>\nLars Ricken, Managing Director for Sport, emphasizes: \u201cWe have achieved our goal \u2013 clarity by mid-April. That was important to me. Nico Schlotterbeck is a leader at BVB and on the national team. We\u2019re glad that he\u2019s returned to top form so quickly after his recent serious injury. That demonstrates his determination and class. We are absolutely convinced that Nico can continue to develop at Borussia Dortmund and become indispensable to our club. Conveying that to him was very important to us during our discussions, which were characterized by mutual respect and trust.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-meldung/Schlotterbeck-Partner.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Partner-1775826798327\"><\/p>\nBVB Sporting Director Ole Book explains: \u201cWith Nico, we have one of the best center backs in the game in our ranks. His play with and against the ball, his ability to open up the game, his tackling, paired with his presence and aggressiveness on the field \u2013 all of that makes him incredibly valuable to us. We\u2019re certain that together with Nico, we can achieve a lot at Borussia Dortmund.\u201d<\/p>\nNico Schlotterbeck says: \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to have extended my contract with BVB. I deliberately took my time with this because it\u2019s an important decision for me. We had good discussions throughout the process, but even so, it wasn\u2019t something I could wrap up in just a week or two. The club officials presented me with a solid plan, and I know what I have in this club. My goal is to win titles together with Borussia Dortmund.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-meldung/Schlotterbeck-Vertrag.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Vertrag-1775827061841\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund\u2019s CEO, Carsten Cramer, says: \u201cThe contract extension with Nico Schlotterbeck is of enormous significance. He is of great value to us, both as a player and as a person. And Nico, in turn, knows exactly what he has in our club. He is highly valued and senses that we are building something here right now. That\u2019s why we\u2019re very pleased that we were able to extend his contract, which was set to expire next year, early.\u201d<\/p>\nSchlotterbeck joined Dortmund from SC Freiburg in 2022 and has since played 155 competitive matches for the Black and Yellows. The center back has scored 10 goals and provided 18 assists. Schlotterbeck has now played 25 matches for the German national team since his debut in 2022.<\/p>\nLars Ricken, Managing Director for Sport, emphasizes: \u201cWe have achieved our goal \u2013 clarity by mid-April. That was important to me. Nico Schlotterbeck is a leader at BVB and on the national team. We\u2019re glad that he\u2019s returned to top form so quickly after his recent serious injury. That demonstrates his determination and class. We are absolutely convinced that Nico can continue to develop at Borussia Dortmund and become indispensable to our club. Conveying that to him was very important to us during our discussions, which were characterized by mutual respect and trust.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-meldung/Schlotterbeck-Partner.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Partner-1775826798327\"><\/p>\nBVB Sporting Director Ole Book explains: \u201cWith Nico, we have one of the best center backs in the game in our ranks. His play with and against the ball, his ability to open up the game, his tackling, paired with his presence and aggressiveness on the field \u2013 all of that makes him incredibly valuable to us. We\u2019re certain that together with Nico, we can achieve a lot at Borussia Dortmund.\u201d<\/p>\nNico Schlotterbeck says: \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to have extended my contract with BVB. I deliberately took my time with this because it\u2019s an important decision for me. We had good discussions throughout the process, but even so, it wasn\u2019t something I could wrap up in just a week or two. The club officials presented me with a solid plan, and I know what I have in this club. My goal is to win titles together with Borussia Dortmund.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-meldung/Schlotterbeck-Vertrag.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Vertrag-1775827061841\"><\/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":"Borussia Dortmund extends contract with Nico Schlotterbeck","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":"868685890","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":"2026/4/10/Borussia-Dortmund-extends-contract-with-Nico-Schlotterbeck","exportedType":"text/plain"},"push":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"push","title":"Push (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"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/personnel"],"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/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-meldung/A-Schlotterbeck-Vertrag.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-345c585281":{"dc:description":"\u201cI\u2019ve always said that I listen to my inner voice and weigh things up. I have now come to the conclusion that extending my contract is the right move for my career.\u201d Centre-back <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/4/10/BVB-verlaengert-mit-Nico-Schlotterbeck.html\">Nico Schlotterbeck deliberately took his time over his decision<\/a>: \u201cI\u2019m 26 now and had to make a fundamental decision.\u201d Here, he explains why he made this choice and what role the club and the fans played.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/10/Thats-why-Im-here-Nico-Schlotterbeck-on-his-decision-in-favour-of-BVB.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m here\u201d \u2013 Nico Schlotterbeck on his decision in favour of BVB","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-10T13:29:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/10/Thats-why-Im-here-Nico-Schlotterbeck-on-his-decision-in-favour-of-BVB.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Interview-Schlotterbeck.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":"10.04.26 13:29 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"\u201cI\u2019ve always said that I listen to my inner voice and weigh things up. I have now come to the conclusion that extending my contract is the right move for my career.\u201d Centre-back <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/4/10/BVB-verlaengert-mit-Nico-Schlotterbeck.html\">Nico Schlotterbeck deliberately took his time over his decision<\/a>: \u201cI\u2019m 26 now and had to make a fundamental decision.\u201d Here, he explains why he made this choice and what role the club and the fans played.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"\u201cI\u2019ve always said that I listen to my inner voice and weigh things up. I have now come to the conclusion that extending my contract is the right move for my career.\u201d Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck deliberately took his time over his decision: \u201cI\u2019m 26 now and had to make a fundamental decision.\u201d Here, he explains why he made this choice and what role the club and the fans played.","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":"Nico Schlotterbeck wanted to weigh up all the options carefully. At the same time, however, he was always clear about how important Borussia Dortmund is to him: \u201cBasically, I knew what I have in this club and what I will continue to have here in the future. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve now decided to stay with BVB. I\u2019m absolutely delighted to be extending my contract here.\u201d<\/p>\nThe sporting prospects were also important to him. The centre-back wanted to know where the club was heading and what it aims to achieve in the coming years. His own goals are clearly defined: \u201cOf course, my aim is to win a title. And of course I want to win titles with BVB.\u201d That is why he looked closely at the plan presented to him by BVB\u2019s management: \u201cThey put it to me. I am in complete agreement with it.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Interview.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Interview-1775827949424\"> \n<\/p>\nFor him, the contract extension is also a promise to take on even more responsibility: \u201cI\u2019m going to step up now so that we can win a title with BVB. That\u2019s what we all play for at BVB.\u201d He also looks back on the recent past: \u201cOf course, we\u2019ve come close twice before, in 2023 and 2024. I\u2019ve seen what can be achieved here, the sheer power that the club, the stadium and the city can unleash.\u201d That is exactly where he wants to pick up: \u201cThat\u2019s why this is the big goal I want to achieve with BVB. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here. That\u2019s why I signed my first contract almost four years ago, and that\u2019s why I\u2019ve signed now.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Interview-Set.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Interview-Set-1775827973089\"><\/p>\nSo, as well as the sporting prospects, the environment also plays a big part: \u201cIt just felt right after the first few years, and I also felt very appreciated by the way I was welcomed back after my injury.\u201d It was the fans\u2019 reactions in particular that gave him a boost: \u201cI know what the fans want from me. I always try to give my all, and I think the fans appreciate that. I\u2019m an emotional sort on the pitch. In the dressing room, I\u2019m loud, but not so emotional. And I think that fits in well with the Ruhr region.\u201d<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ43MwD10KY\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Trikot-hinten.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Trikot-hinten-1775827997458\"><\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Finger.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Finger-1775828005480\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Nico Schlotterbeck wanted to weigh up all the options carefully. At the same time, however, he was always clear about how important Borussia Dortmund is to him: \u201cBasically, I knew what I have in this club and what I will continue to have here in the future. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve now decided to stay with BVB. I\u2019m absolutely delighted to be extending my contract here.\u201d<\/p>\nThe sporting prospects were also important to him. The centre-back wanted to know where the club was heading and what it aims to achieve in the coming years. His own goals are clearly defined: \u201cOf course, my aim is to win a title. And of course I want to win titles with BVB.\u201d That is why he looked closely at the plan presented to him by BVB\u2019s management: \u201cThey put it to me. I am in complete agreement with it.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Interview.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Interview-1775827949424\"> \n<\/p>\nFor him, the contract extension is also a promise to take on even more responsibility: \u201cI\u2019m going to step up now so that we can win a title with BVB. That\u2019s what we all play for at BVB.\u201d He also looks back on the recent past: \u201cOf course, we\u2019ve come close twice before, in 2023 and 2024. I\u2019ve seen what can be achieved here, the sheer power that the club, the stadium and the city can unleash.\u201d That is exactly where he wants to pick up: \u201cThat\u2019s why this is the big goal I want to achieve with BVB. That\u2019s why I\u2019m here. That\u2019s why I signed my first contract almost four years ago, and that\u2019s why I\u2019ve signed now.\u201d<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Interview-Set.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Interview-Set-1775827973089\"><\/p>\nSo, as well as the sporting prospects, the environment also plays a big part: \u201cIt just felt right after the first few years, and I also felt very appreciated by the way I was welcomed back after my injury.\u201d It was the fans\u2019 reactions in particular that gave him a boost: \u201cI know what the fans want from me. I always try to give my all, and I think the fans appreciate that. I\u2019m an emotional sort on the pitch. In the dressing room, I\u2019m loud, but not so emotional. And I think that fits in well with the Ruhr region.\u201d<\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ43MwD10KY\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Trikot-hinten.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Trikot-hinten-1775827997458\"><\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/Schlotterbeck-Finger.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Schlotterbeck-Finger-1775828005480\"><\/p>\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":"\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m here\u201d \u2013 Nico Schlotterbeck on his decision in favour of BVB","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":"2026/4/10/Thats-why-Im-here-Nico-Schlotterbeck-on-his-decision-in-favour-of-BVB","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/interview"],"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/2026/04/10/schlotterbeck-zitate/A-Interview-Schlotterbeck.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Women Football","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-b14cd9ee33":{"dc:description":"Following two convincing home wins, the BVB women are looking to add three more points in their upcoming away match (April 12, 13:00 CEST, live on <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/live-tv/66337ea1307fa300082c28a0?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=livestream-promo&utm_campaign=70000372\">Pluto TV<\/a>) against GSV Moers. Their recent form and a newfound versatility in their playing style are helping to give the Borussia women a further confidence boost.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/10/The-final-stretch-begins-BVB-women-visit-GSV-Moers.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"The final stretch begins: BVB women visit GSV Moers","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-10T08:15:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/10/The-final-stretch-begins-BVB-women-visit-GSV-Moers.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/vorbericht-frauen/Guennewig-Frauen-Moers.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":"10.04.26 08:15 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Following two convincing home wins, the BVB women are looking to add three more points in their upcoming away match (April 12, 13:00 CEST, live on <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/live-tv/66337ea1307fa300082c28a0?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=livestream-promo&utm_campaign=70000372\">Pluto TV<\/a>) against GSV Moers. Their recent form and a newfound versatility in their playing style are helping to give the Borussia women a further confidence boost.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Following two convincing home wins, the BVB women are looking to add three more points in their upcoming away match (April 12, 13:00 CEST, live on Pluto TV) against GSV Moers. Their recent form and a newfound versatility in their playing style are helping to give the Borussia women a further confidence boost.","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":"The scenario \n<\/b>4-1, 6-0, 7-0: three convincing victories saw the BVB women\u2019s team kick off 2026 as the only side in the Regionalliga West with nine points from three games. A target that was coupled with the rewarding prospect of \u201cEaster without training\u201d even before the season began, as head coach Markus Högner reveals. The holidays marked the last break in the Regionalliga West schedule; the remaining eight games will be played on a weekly basis without a break. \u201cThe four days off did everyone good,\u201d explains Markus Högner, who has noticed a special enthusiasm for the game during training. \n<\/b><\/p>\nPersonnel matters \n<\/b>Ann-Sophie Vogel is back on the pitch after recovering from a medial ligament injury in her right knee. The 27-year-old was fully integrated into team training after the Easter break. While returnee Sara Ito was back on the field for the 7-0 win against Deutz, Paula Reimann (Achilles tendon issues) only resumed training this week. For Mia Böger, who is dealing with a ligament injury in her ankle, Sunday\u2019s game is still too soon. \n<\/b><\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/vorbericht-frauen/Jabbes-Frauen-Moers.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Jabbes-Frauen-Moers-1775808954988\"><\/p>\nThe opposition \n<\/b>Like the BVB women\u2019s team, GSV Moers celebrated promotion to the Regionalliga West only last season. So far this season, GSV are yet to win a game and sit bottom of the table with three points from 18 matches. The Borussia women won the first leg comfortably 9-0 at the Rote Erde Stadium. According to Markus Högner, the same qualities will be needed against an opponent expected to sit deep as in the previous match against Deutz: \u201cWe must exude dominance, put the opposition under pressure and find plenty of creative solutions.\u201d \n<\/b><\/p>\nGood things come in threes \n<\/b>During the winter break, the team practised a new playing system based on a back three. After three competitive matches, Markus Högner draws a positive interim conclusion: \u201cWe worked on this during pre-season, including in the friendlies against Bundesliga sides. We\u2019ve now got this system 100 percent down. My plan is to remain flexible and be able to switch from a back three to a back four depending on the situation.\u201d According to the head coach, this is a particularly useful tool for the final stages of the season, allowing the team to switch freely between the familiar 4-3-3 and the new 3-4-1-2 system. \u201cBoth systems have their advantages. The players can and should occupy different positions in each, but Jasmin Jabbes, for example, as a natural wing-back, benefits from the new system.\u201d<\/p>\nThe match kicks off on Sunday (12 April) at 13:00 CEST on the artificial turf in Moers (Filder Str. 148, 47447 Moers). BVB fans who cannot be at the stadium have the opportunity to watch the BVB Women\u2019s match exclusively and free of charge on <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/live-tv/66337ea1307fa300082c28a0?lang=en\">Pluto TV<\/a>. \nMirko Hase<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The scenario \n<\/b>4-1, 6-0, 7-0: three convincing victories saw the BVB women\u2019s team kick off 2026 as the only side in the Regionalliga West with nine points from three games. A target that was coupled with the rewarding prospect of \u201cEaster without training\u201d even before the season began, as head coach Markus Högner reveals. The holidays marked the last break in the Regionalliga West schedule; the remaining eight games will be played on a weekly basis without a break. \u201cThe four days off did everyone good,\u201d explains Markus Högner, who has noticed a special enthusiasm for the game during training. \n<\/b><\/p>\nPersonnel matters \n<\/b>Ann-Sophie Vogel is back on the pitch after recovering from a medial ligament injury in her right knee. The 27-year-old was fully integrated into team training after the Easter break. While returnee Sara Ito was back on the field for the 7-0 win against Deutz, Paula Reimann (Achilles tendon issues) only resumed training this week. For Mia Böger, who is dealing with a ligament injury in her ankle, Sunday\u2019s game is still too soon. \n<\/b><\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/vorbericht-frauen/Jabbes-Frauen-Moers.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Jabbes-Frauen-Moers-1775808954988\"><\/p>\nThe opposition \n<\/b>Like the BVB women\u2019s team, GSV Moers celebrated promotion to the Regionalliga West only last season. So far this season, GSV are yet to win a game and sit bottom of the table with three points from 18 matches. The Borussia women won the first leg comfortably 9-0 at the Rote Erde Stadium. According to Markus Högner, the same qualities will be needed against an opponent expected to sit deep as in the previous match against Deutz: \u201cWe must exude dominance, put the opposition under pressure and find plenty of creative solutions.\u201d \n<\/b><\/p>\nGood things come in threes \n<\/b>During the winter break, the team practised a new playing system based on a back three. After three competitive matches, Markus Högner draws a positive interim conclusion: \u201cWe worked on this during pre-season, including in the friendlies against Bundesliga sides. We\u2019ve now got this system 100 percent down. My plan is to remain flexible and be able to switch from a back three to a back four depending on the situation.\u201d According to the head coach, this is a particularly useful tool for the final stages of the season, allowing the team to switch freely between the familiar 4-3-3 and the new 3-4-1-2 system. \u201cBoth systems have their advantages. The players can and should occupy different positions in each, but Jasmin Jabbes, for example, as a natural wing-back, benefits from the new system.\u201d<\/p>\nThe match kicks off on Sunday (12 April) at 13:00 CEST on the artificial turf in Moers (Filder Str. 148, 47447 Moers). BVB fans who cannot be at the stadium have the opportunity to watch the BVB Women\u2019s match exclusively and free of charge on <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/live-tv/66337ea1307fa300082c28a0?lang=en\">Pluto TV<\/a>. \nMirko Hase<\/i><\/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":"The final stretch begins: BVB women visit GSV Moers","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":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/first-women/2025_2026/regionalliga-west/19---gsv-1910-moers---borussia-dortmund-frauen<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/first-women/2025_2026/regionalliga-west/19---gsv-1910-moers---borussia-dortmund-frauen","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":"2026/4/10/The-final-stretch-begins-BVB-women-visit-GSV-Moers","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/vorbericht"],"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/2026/04/10/vorbericht-frauen/A-Guennewig-Frauen-Moers.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4e754267a6":{"dc:description":"On Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CEST), Borussia Dortmund will host Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The two strongest teams in the league when it comes to headers, will face each other.<\/b><\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/9/BVB-best-team-in-the-second-half-of-the-season-against-Leverkusen-facts-to-the-game.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"BVB best team in the second half of the season against Leverkusen \u2013 facts to the game","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-10T06:27:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/9/BVB-best-team-in-the-second-half-of-the-season-against-Leverkusen-facts-to-the-game.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/bl-faktenvorschau/19M-FaktLever.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":"10.04.26 06:27 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"On Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CEST), Borussia Dortmund will host Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The two strongest teams in the league when it comes to headers, will face each other.<\/b><\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"On Saturday (kick-off 15:30 CEST), Borussia Dortmund will host Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The two strongest teams in the league when it comes to headers, will face each other.","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":"The scenario:<\/b> Second-placed versus sixth-placed. Borussia Dortmund enter match day 29 nine points behind the league leaders and 11 points ahead of the clubs in third and fourth place. Bayer Leverkusen are sixth-placed, 15 points behind Dortmund.<\/p>\nHome/Away:<\/b> Borussia have won 11 of their 14 home games so far and lost only once at home. Leverkusen's away record is positive, with six wins, four draws, and four defeats.<\/p>\nHead-to-head:<\/b> Borussia Dortmund have lost only one of their last seven Bundesliga matches against Bayer Leverkusen, but suffered a 1-0 home defeat in the DFB Pokal round of 16 this season. There has been no home win in the last seven encounters between the two teams (including cup matches). In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen have suffered more defeats (53) and conceded more goals (178) only against Bayern Munich than against Borussia Dortmund (38 and 155, respectively).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/bl-faktenvorschau/19-Lever.jpg\" data-assetref=\"19-Lever-1775669674288\"><\/p>\nStatistics:<\/b> The Black & Yellows have won their last four league matches and, with 28 out of a possible 33 points, are the best team in the second half of the season. The last 14 matches, they have scored at least two goals in every game \u2013 and have consistently kept a clean sheet. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has already kept 13 clean sheets this season (no other goalkeeper has more than ten). Leverkusen have been unbeaten in six matches. Their only defeat in the last eleven games came in an away match against Union Berlin (1-0). After three consecutive draws, Bayer finally secured a victory with a spectacular 6-3 home win against VfL Wolfsburg.<\/p>\nReverse fixture:<\/b> Both teams balanced each other in the first half until Aaron Anselmino won a header after a free-kick cross from Daniel Svensson, scoring 1-0 (41). It was Dortmund's first shot on target. Karim Adeyemi doubled the lead with a header in the 65th minute, and his teammates subsequently missed several chances to extend the lead to 3-0. Instead, Christian Kofane scored a goal for the hosts, making it 2-1 (83).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/bl-faktenvorschau/19-Lever2.jpg\" data-assetref=\"19-Lever2-1775669691848\"><\/b><\/p>\nBiggest home win:<\/b> During their time together in the second division, there was once a 7-0 victory. On 4 March 2017, fans saw a total of eight goals in BVB's 6-2 win, scored by Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2), Christian Pulisic, Andre Schürrle and Raphael Guerreiro. Kevin Volland and Wendell had brought Leverkusen back to a one goal difference when scoring 2-1 and then 3-2, but then BVB scored three more goals within 15 minutes. \nCompiled by Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The scenario:<\/b> Second-placed versus sixth-placed. Borussia Dortmund enter match day 29 nine points behind the league leaders and 11 points ahead of the clubs in third and fourth place. Bayer Leverkusen are sixth-placed, 15 points behind Dortmund.<\/p>\nHome/Away:<\/b> Borussia have won 11 of their 14 home games so far and lost only once at home. Leverkusen's away record is positive, with six wins, four draws, and four defeats.<\/p>\nHead-to-head:<\/b> Borussia Dortmund have lost only one of their last seven Bundesliga matches against Bayer Leverkusen, but suffered a 1-0 home defeat in the DFB Pokal round of 16 this season. There has been no home win in the last seven encounters between the two teams (including cup matches). In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen have suffered more defeats (53) and conceded more goals (178) only against Bayern Munich than against Borussia Dortmund (38 and 155, respectively).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/bl-faktenvorschau/19-Lever.jpg\" data-assetref=\"19-Lever-1775669674288\"><\/p>\nStatistics:<\/b> The Black & Yellows have won their last four league matches and, with 28 out of a possible 33 points, are the best team in the second half of the season. The last 14 matches, they have scored at least two goals in every game \u2013 and have consistently kept a clean sheet. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has already kept 13 clean sheets this season (no other goalkeeper has more than ten). Leverkusen have been unbeaten in six matches. Their only defeat in the last eleven games came in an away match against Union Berlin (1-0). After three consecutive draws, Bayer finally secured a victory with a spectacular 6-3 home win against VfL Wolfsburg.<\/p>\nReverse fixture:<\/b> Both teams balanced each other in the first half until Aaron Anselmino won a header after a free-kick cross from Daniel Svensson, scoring 1-0 (41). It was Dortmund's first shot on target. Karim Adeyemi doubled the lead with a header in the 65th minute, and his teammates subsequently missed several chances to extend the lead to 3-0. Instead, Christian Kofane scored a goal for the hosts, making it 2-1 (83).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/10/bl-faktenvorschau/19-Lever2.jpg\" data-assetref=\"19-Lever2-1775669691848\"><\/b><\/p>\nBiggest home win:<\/b> During their time together in the second division, there was once a 7-0 victory. On 4 March 2017, fans saw a total of eight goals in BVB's 6-2 win, scored by Ousmane Dembele, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2), Christian Pulisic, Andre Schürrle and Raphael Guerreiro. Kevin Volland and Wendell had brought Leverkusen back to a one goal difference when scoring 2-1 and then 3-2, but then BVB scored three more goals within 15 minutes. \nCompiled by Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n <\/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":"BVB best team in the second half of the season against Leverkusen \u2013 facts to the game","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":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569297_29_borussiadortmund-bayerleverkusen<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569297_29_borussiadortmund-bayerleverkusen","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"121481625","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":"2026/4/9/BVB-best-team-in-the-second-half-of-the-season-against-Leverkusen-facts-to-the-game","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/vorbericht"],"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/2026/04/10/bl-faktenvorschau/19A-FaktLever.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"Bundesliga, Saturday, 15:30 CEST: Borussia Dortmund host Bayer Leverkusen at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK (live on Sky). \u201cWe want to win the game. That is our ambition, that is our goal,\u201d says BVB coach Niko Kovac.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/9/Third-match-against-Leverkusen-BVB-want-to-continue-a-successful-second-half-of-the-season.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Third match against Leverkusen: BVB want to continue a successful second half of the season","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-09T13:00:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/9/Third-match-against-Leverkusen-BVB-want-to-continue-a-successful-second-half-of-the-season.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/09/vorbericht-leverkusen/Kovac-SIP.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":"09.04.26 13:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Bundesliga, Saturday, 15:30 CEST: Borussia Dortmund host Bayer Leverkusen at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK (live on Sky). \u201cWe want to win the game. That is our ambition, that is our goal,\u201d says BVB coach Niko Kovac.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Bundesliga, Saturday, 15:30 CEST: Borussia Dortmund host Bayer Leverkusen at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK (live on Sky). \u201cWe want to win the game. That is our ambition, that is our goal,\u201d says BVB coach Niko Kovac.","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":"The scenario \n<\/b>In their last eleven matches, Borussia Dortmund have amassed 28 points, making them the best team in the second half of the season. The Black & Yellows have won their last four games against Köln, Augsburg, Hamburg and Stuttgart. Last Saturday, it looked for a long time as if their winning streak would come to an end against VfB Stuttgart: only goals from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt in stoppage time put Dortmund on the path to victory. Thanks to the 2-0 win in Stuttgart, the winning streak continued: Dortmund have scored at least twice in each of their last 14 Bundesliga matches. While a total of 60 goals have already been scored (only league leaders Bayern Munich have scored more goals), Dortmund have consistently kept clean sheets. Gregor Kobel has already kept 13 clean sheets, more than any other goalkeeper. After 28 matchdays, Dortmund have only lost twice. It\u2019s the first time since the 1965/66 season, that they suffered so few defeats.<\/p>\nPersonnel situation<\/b> \nKarim Adeyemi received his fifth yellow card in Stuttgart and will not be in the squad against Leverkusen. \u201cFelix still needs time, but he\u2019s on the right track. I hope we might see him again this season,\u201d said Kovac about Felix Nmecha, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Filippo Mane continues to participate in parts of team training. Yan Couto sat out training on Thursday due to muscular problems. The players who <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/4/8/Siegesserie-geht-weiter-U23-gewinnt-auch-in-Siegen.html\">won with the U23<\/a> on Wednesday, participated in either training or recovered. Captain Emre Can remains out due to his cruciate ligament tear.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/09/vorbericht-leverkusen/Chukwuemeka-Training.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Chukwuemeka-Training-1775738283595\"><\/p>\nThe opponent \n<\/b>Bayer Leverkusen is sixth in the table, 15 points behind Borussia Dortmund. In their last eleven Bundesliga encounters, the Werkself (Bayer Leverkusen) only lost once, a 1-0 defeat against Union Berlin, and are unbeaten in six matches. After three consecutive draws, Bayer won 6-3 against Wolfsburg last weekend. Dortmund have already faced Leverkusen twice this season: in the first half of the season, Dortmund won 2-1 away at the end of November. Just three days later, they met again in the DFB Cup round of 16, which the visitors won 1-0 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. \u201cThe cup game is behind us. It was a good game that we unfortunately lost. In Leverkusen's home game, we were perhaps the team that defended better and had that little bit of luck,\u201d recalls Niko Kovac. \u201cThese are two evenly matched teams with a lot of quality. We want to win the home game, but we also know that Leverkusen needs points and has ambitions to qualify for the Champions League. It's a 50-50 game and we have to make sure we tip the scales in our favour.\u201d  <\/p>\nChampions League qualification possible \n<\/b>Last season, Borussia Dortmund had to stage a late sprint with seven wins in eight games (one draw) to secure UEFA Champions League qualification on the final matchday. Now, after 28 matchdays, Dortmund sit second in the table, 14 points ahead of fifth place, currently held by Hoffenheim. Should Hoffenheim fail to beat Augsburg on Friday evening and Dortmund defeat Bayer Leverkusen, then Dortmund will have secured their Champions League ticket this weekend \u2013 their 21st appearance overall and their 11th consecutive Champions League qualification. \n Christina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFsw8YvPy98\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To the video<\/a><\/p>\nFollow the game live on our channels: in the live ticker of the <a href=\"https://go.bvb.de/app?p=socialmedia\">BVB app<\/a>, on our social media channels <a href=\"https://x.com/bvb\">X<\/a>, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/BVB/?locale=de_DE\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bvb09\">Instagram<\/a> as wel as <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/bvb-netradio.html\">BVB-Netradio<\/a>.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The scenario \n<\/b>In their last eleven matches, Borussia Dortmund have amassed 28 points, making them the best team in the second half of the season. The Black & Yellows have won their last four games against Köln, Augsburg, Hamburg and Stuttgart. Last Saturday, it looked for a long time as if their winning streak would come to an end against VfB Stuttgart: only goals from Karim Adeyemi and Julian Brandt in stoppage time put Dortmund on the path to victory. Thanks to the 2-0 win in Stuttgart, the winning streak continued: Dortmund have scored at least twice in each of their last 14 Bundesliga matches. While a total of 60 goals have already been scored (only league leaders Bayern Munich have scored more goals), Dortmund have consistently kept clean sheets. Gregor Kobel has already kept 13 clean sheets, more than any other goalkeeper. After 28 matchdays, Dortmund have only lost twice. It\u2019s the first time since the 1965/66 season, that they suffered so few defeats.<\/p>\nPersonnel situation<\/b> \nKarim Adeyemi received his fifth yellow card in Stuttgart and will not be in the squad against Leverkusen. \u201cFelix still needs time, but he\u2019s on the right track. I hope we might see him again this season,\u201d said Kovac about Felix Nmecha, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Filippo Mane continues to participate in parts of team training. Yan Couto sat out training on Thursday due to muscular problems. The players who <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/4/8/Siegesserie-geht-weiter-U23-gewinnt-auch-in-Siegen.html\">won with the U23<\/a> on Wednesday, participated in either training or recovered. Captain Emre Can remains out due to his cruciate ligament tear.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/09/vorbericht-leverkusen/Chukwuemeka-Training.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Chukwuemeka-Training-1775738283595\"><\/p>\nThe opponent \n<\/b>Bayer Leverkusen is sixth in the table, 15 points behind Borussia Dortmund. In their last eleven Bundesliga encounters, the Werkself (Bayer Leverkusen) only lost once, a 1-0 defeat against Union Berlin, and are unbeaten in six matches. After three consecutive draws, Bayer won 6-3 against Wolfsburg last weekend. Dortmund have already faced Leverkusen twice this season: in the first half of the season, Dortmund won 2-1 away at the end of November. Just three days later, they met again in the DFB Cup round of 16, which the visitors won 1-0 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. \u201cThe cup game is behind us. It was a good game that we unfortunately lost. In Leverkusen's home game, we were perhaps the team that defended better and had that little bit of luck,\u201d recalls Niko Kovac. \u201cThese are two evenly matched teams with a lot of quality. We want to win the home game, but we also know that Leverkusen needs points and has ambitions to qualify for the Champions League. It's a 50-50 game and we have to make sure we tip the scales in our favour.\u201d  <\/p>\nChampions League qualification possible \n<\/b>Last season, Borussia Dortmund had to stage a late sprint with seven wins in eight games (one draw) to secure UEFA Champions League qualification on the final matchday. Now, after 28 matchdays, Dortmund sit second in the table, 14 points ahead of fifth place, currently held by Hoffenheim. Should Hoffenheim fail to beat Augsburg on Friday evening and Dortmund defeat Bayer Leverkusen, then Dortmund will have secured their Champions League ticket this weekend \u2013 their 21st appearance overall and their 11th consecutive Champions League qualification. \n Christina Reinke<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFsw8YvPy98\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">To the video<\/a><\/p>\nFollow the game live on our channels: in the live ticker of the <a href=\"https://go.bvb.de/app?p=socialmedia\">BVB app<\/a>, on our social media channels <a href=\"https://x.com/bvb\">X<\/a>, <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/BVB/?locale=de_DE\">Facebook<\/a> and <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bvb09\">Instagram<\/a> as wel as <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/bvb-netradio.html\">BVB-Netradio<\/a>.<\/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":"Third match against Leverkusen: BVB want to continue a successful second half of the season","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":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569297_29_borussiadortmund-bayerleverkusen<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569297_29_borussiadortmund-bayerleverkusen","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-2008579818","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":"2026/4/9/Third-match-against-Leverkusen-BVB-want-to-continue-a-successful-second-half-of-the-season","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/vorbericht"],"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/2026/04/09/vorbericht-leverkusen/A-Kovac-SIP.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-3304a94386":{"dc:description":"Borussia Dortmund will face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:30 CEST. We have summarised all the information about our Bundesliga home game in a compact format. This page will be updated if there is any news.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/9/Countdown-Leverkusen-tickets-jerseys-referee-broadcast.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Countdown Leverkusen: tickets, jerseys, referee, broadcast","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-09T06:51:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/9/Countdown-Leverkusen-tickets-jerseys-referee-broadcast.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/09/bl-countdown/Fans-Schals.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":"09.04.26 06:51 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Borussia Dortmund will face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:30 CEST. We have summarised all the information about our Bundesliga home game in a compact format. This page will be updated if there is any news.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund will face Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:30 CEST. We have summarised all the information about our Bundesliga home game in a compact format. This page will be updated if there is any news.","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":"Tickets: re-sale market open \n<\/b>The home match against Bayer Leverkusen is sold out with 81,365 spectators, including 6,100 away fans. The secondary market is open until 13:00 CEST on match day. Ticket holders can legally offer their season tickets or day tickets for resale in the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index/\">BVB-ticket shop<\/a> if they are unable to attend the match at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK in person. Ticket holders do not have to hand over their individual tickets or season tickets as the tickets can be blocked electronically and then reactivated. The resale market is available for all sold-out home matches. <\/p>\nLive broadcast: Sky and Netradio \n<\/b>The match will be broadcast live on Sky TV. Pre-match coverage starts at 14:00 CEST. Michael Leopold will host the programme. Dietmar Hamann will be on hand as expert commentator. Martin Groß will provide commentary on the match, which can be seen on Sky Sport Bundesliga & UHD/HDR. BVB Netradio will be reporting through the usual Black and Yellow lens. The reporters are Norbert Dickel and Boris Rupert. BVB Netradio will begin broadcasting 15 minutes before kick-off. It can be accessed by everyone on <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de.html\">the homepage<\/a> and in the BVB app on <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/allgemein/aktion/bvb-app.html\" title=\"Link in den App-Store\">iPhone and Android devices<\/a>. A summary of the match, as well as the press conference and comments on the game, will be available on BVB-TV, among other places.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/09/bl-countdown/19-Trikot-Lev.jpg\" data-assetref=\"19-Trikot-Lev-1775668664991\"><\/b><\/p>\nKits: BVB in yellow and black \n<\/b>Borussia Dortmund will wear their yellow home jersey with black shorts and yellow socks. (<a href=\"https://shop.bvb.de/trikots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get your kit now!)<\/a> Bayer Leverkusen will wear a red and white jersey with white shorts and socks.<\/p>\nWeather: warm and partly sunny \n<\/b>The weather forecast for Saturday: sun and clouds will alternate with daytime highs of up to 21 degrees Celsius. The chance of rain increases to 70 percent towards evening.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2018/08/24/-1-4-1-0-6-0-/59G_Aytekin.jpg\" data-assetref=\"59G_Aytekin-1775668814935\"><\/b><\/p>\nReferee: Aytekin has the whistle \n<\/b>Former FIFA referee Deniz Aytekin (47) from Oberasbach (Bavaria) will officiate his 38th and perhaps final Bundesliga match involving Borussia Dortmund. His record against the team is positive, with 21 wins, six draws, and ten losses. The experienced referee, who will retire at the end of the season, will be assisted by Christian Leicher and Dr. Martin Thomsen. Pascal Müller will serve as the video assistant referee (VAR). This is Aytekin's first BVB match in almost a year. He refereed BVB's away game in Leverkusen (4-2) on the penultimate matchday of last season. He will now officiate this fixture again, for the fifth time overall.<\/p>\nArrival: ticket included in the ticket \n<\/b>This service from BVB and DSW21 is still unique in the Bundesliga: the match ticket for SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is valid for travel to and from the stadium throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This also applies to holders of plastic season tickets. Holders of a \u201cPrint@Home ticket\u201d or a \u201cmobile ticket\u201d (e.g. Apple Wallet) must carry a ticket for public transport in addition to their match ticket, which must be ordered free of charge online <a href=\"https://kombiticket.dsw21.de/\">on this page<\/a>.<\/p>\nLive ticker: over to the app \n<\/b>BVB's digital channels operate at full throttle on match day. And that's not only the case during the match, but throughout the match day too \u2013 starting at 09:09 CEST, of course. In \u201cMatchday Mode\u201d, the BVB app (<a href=\"https://go.bvb.de/app?p=socialmedia\">download<\/a>) offers news, pictures, posts, videos, statistics and plenty more match info besides. The live ticker starts at kick-off and updates you on all the important moments. In addition to the live ticker, there will be full match highlights, statistics and first-hand info on our WhatsApp, X, Facebook and Instagram social media channels. The match report plus reactions and facts will follow on the website and on the app after the final whistle.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Tickets: re-sale market open \n<\/b>The home match against Bayer Leverkusen is sold out with 81,365 spectators, including 6,100 away fans. The secondary market is open until 13:00 CEST on match day. Ticket holders can legally offer their season tickets or day tickets for resale in the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index/\">BVB-ticket shop<\/a> if they are unable to attend the match at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK in person. Ticket holders do not have to hand over their individual tickets or season tickets as the tickets can be blocked electronically and then reactivated. The resale market is available for all sold-out home matches. <\/p>\nLive broadcast: Sky and Netradio \n<\/b>The match will be broadcast live on Sky TV. Pre-match coverage starts at 14:00 CEST. Michael Leopold will host the programme. Dietmar Hamann will be on hand as expert commentator. Martin Groß will provide commentary on the match, which can be seen on Sky Sport Bundesliga & UHD/HDR. BVB Netradio will be reporting through the usual Black and Yellow lens. The reporters are Norbert Dickel and Boris Rupert. BVB Netradio will begin broadcasting 15 minutes before kick-off. It can be accessed by everyone on <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de.html\">the homepage<\/a> and in the BVB app on <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/allgemein/aktion/bvb-app.html\" title=\"Link in den App-Store\">iPhone and Android devices<\/a>. A summary of the match, as well as the press conference and comments on the game, will be available on BVB-TV, among other places.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/09/bl-countdown/19-Trikot-Lev.jpg\" data-assetref=\"19-Trikot-Lev-1775668664991\"><\/b><\/p>\nKits: BVB in yellow and black \n<\/b>Borussia Dortmund will wear their yellow home jersey with black shorts and yellow socks. (<a href=\"https://shop.bvb.de/trikots\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Get your kit now!)<\/a> Bayer Leverkusen will wear a red and white jersey with white shorts and socks.<\/p>\nWeather: warm and partly sunny \n<\/b>The weather forecast for Saturday: sun and clouds will alternate with daytime highs of up to 21 degrees Celsius. The chance of rain increases to 70 percent towards evening.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2018/08/24/-1-4-1-0-6-0-/59G_Aytekin.jpg\" data-assetref=\"59G_Aytekin-1775668814935\"><\/b><\/p>\nReferee: Aytekin has the whistle \n<\/b>Former FIFA referee Deniz Aytekin (47) from Oberasbach (Bavaria) will officiate his 38th and perhaps final Bundesliga match involving Borussia Dortmund. His record against the team is positive, with 21 wins, six draws, and ten losses. The experienced referee, who will retire at the end of the season, will be assisted by Christian Leicher and Dr. Martin Thomsen. Pascal Müller will serve as the video assistant referee (VAR). This is Aytekin's first BVB match in almost a year. He refereed BVB's away game in Leverkusen (4-2) on the penultimate matchday of last season. He will now officiate this fixture again, for the fifth time overall.<\/p>\nArrival: ticket included in the ticket \n<\/b>This service from BVB and DSW21 is still unique in the Bundesliga: the match ticket for SIGNAL IDUNA PARK is valid for travel to and from the stadium throughout the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This also applies to holders of plastic season tickets. Holders of a \u201cPrint@Home ticket\u201d or a \u201cmobile ticket\u201d (e.g. Apple Wallet) must carry a ticket for public transport in addition to their match ticket, which must be ordered free of charge online <a href=\"https://kombiticket.dsw21.de/\">on this page<\/a>.<\/p>\nLive ticker: over to the app \n<\/b>BVB's digital channels operate at full throttle on match day. And that's not only the case during the match, but throughout the match day too \u2013 starting at 09:09 CEST, of course. In \u201cMatchday Mode\u201d, the BVB app (<a href=\"https://go.bvb.de/app?p=socialmedia\">download<\/a>) offers news, pictures, posts, videos, statistics and plenty more match info besides. The live ticker starts at kick-off and updates you on all the important moments. In addition to the live ticker, there will be full match highlights, statistics and first-hand info on our WhatsApp, X, Facebook and Instagram social media channels. The match report plus reactions and facts will follow on the website and on the app after the final whistle.<\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-3304a94386","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":"Countdown Leverkusen: tickets, jerseys, referee, broadcast","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":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569297_29_borussiadortmund-bayerleverkusen<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569297_29_borussiadortmund-bayerleverkusen","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"380692408","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":"2026/4/9/Countdown-Leverkusen-tickets-jerseys-referee-broadcast","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/vorbericht"],"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/2026/04/09/bl-countdown/A-Fans-Schals.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"Right at the end, the highest-scoring fixture in the history of the Bundesliga finally delivered the spectacle that the 60,000 spectators in the stadium and many watching on Sky <\/i>had been hoping for.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/5/The-late-late-show-in-Stuttgart.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"The late, late show in Stuttgart","repo:modifyDate":"2026-04-05T09:40:00Z"}},"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/2026/4/5/The-late-late-show-in-Stuttgart.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/05/bl-nachbericht/20M-Jubel.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":"05.04.26 09:40 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Right at the end, the highest-scoring fixture in the history of the Bundesliga finally delivered the spectacle that the 60,000 spectators in the stadium and many watching on Sky <\/i>had been hoping for.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Right at the end, the highest-scoring fixture in the history of the Bundesliga finally delivered the spectacle that the 60,000 spectators in the stadium and many watching on Sky had been hoping for.","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":"In the fourth and sixth minutes of stoppage time, a BVB side that had been inexplicably quiet in attack up to that point created their first two chances of the match and converted both, once again demonstrating outstanding efficiency to secure a 2-0 victory away at VfB Stuttgart. \u201cThat\u2019s a quality in itself. A remarkable quality, in fact,\u201d said Sky pundit Wolff Fuss as he left the stadium. BVB scored in stoppage time for the sixth and seventh time this season, meaning they have secured a total of eight points late on in games. They are clinical and have the belief that anything is still possible!<\/p>\nSky expert and record-breaking international Lothar Matthäus went even further in his assessment, putting the development down to one person: \u201cI think that BVB can be proud of this Bundesliga season and proud of these 13 or 14 months with Niko Kovac. How they extricated themselves from the situation and sensationally achieved a minimal target last year.\u201d And now they have successfully fended off a challenge from a rival for second place, consolidating their position in the table with an 11-point lead. \u201cHis tactics have worked brilliantly again today,\u201d said Matthäus about Kovac, adding: \u201cAlways keep a clean sheet first.\u201d They have now managed that 13 times this season!<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/05/bl-nachbericht/20-Jubel.jpg\" data-assetref=\"20-Jubel-1775379460233\"><\/p>\n\u201cAll in all, we\u2019re having a really good season,\u201d said Kovac, who had previously spoken very clearly about his team\u2019s shortcomings in the match against VfB \u2013 as can be read <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/4/Reactions-A-crucial-win-on-the-way-to-second-place.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here in the post-match comments<\/a>. He went on to say: \u201cLast season, we were 25 points behind Bayern Munich, and I think 13 points behind Leverkusen. We\u2019re not finished yet as we\u2019ve still got a few points to pick up, and that\u2019s what we want to do.\u201d<\/p>\nThe team is showing hunger, even if Saturday\u2019s performance in Stuttgart wasn\u2019t what fans, officials and players had expected. After the 14-day international break, Gregor Kobel suggested one possible reason: \u201cI don\u2019t know if it\u2019s down to the international break, where you play different systems and need a bit of time to settle back in here.\u201d The keeper said he was delighted with the two late goals: \u201cWe knew they were vulnerable to counter-attacks.\u201d Karim Adeyemi (90+4) and Julian Brandt (90+6) struck in the closing minutes as VfB had all their attacking players on the pitch and went all out.  <\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/05/bl-nachbericht/20-Stuttgart.jpg\" data-assetref=\"20-Stuttgart-1775379481992\"><\/p>\n\u201cThat sucker punch could have gone either way,\u201d said Marcel Sabitzer, adding: \u201cWe defended with real passion. And then we played two good counter-attacks and scored some fine goals. It was a bit lucky, but we\u2019re happy to take it in the end.\u201d Kobel put it in similar terms: \u201cWe took our chances ruthlessly. In the end, it\u2019s three points away from home against a very good opponent in a difficult match.\u201d<\/p>\nJulian Brandt was delighted with the spark the substitutes brought to the game. \u201cKarim scores the goal as a substitute, I score my goal as a substitute and Fabio provides an assist as a substitute.\u201d 14 of the 60 goals this season \u2013 almost one in four \u2013 have been scored by substitutes. No other team comes anywhere near this figure. Sabitzer summed it up: \u201cIf you run a lot and tire the opposition out, you need a few fresh legs coming on. And we have that quality.\u201d \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/4/BVB-win-2-0-at-VfB-Adeyemi-and-Brandt-score-in-added-time.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Match report: Black & Yellows win 2-0 in Swabia<\/a><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/4/Facts-club-record-historic-run-best-team-since-the-winter-break.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facts: club record and historic run<\/a><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"In the fourth and sixth minutes of stoppage time, a BVB side that had been inexplicably quiet in attack up to that point created their first two chances of the match and converted both, once again demonstrating outstanding efficiency to secure a 2-0 victory away at VfB Stuttgart. \u201cThat\u2019s a quality in itself. A remarkable quality, in fact,\u201d said Sky pundit Wolff Fuss as he left the stadium. BVB scored in stoppage time for the sixth and seventh time this season, meaning they have secured a total of eight points late on in games. They are clinical and have the belief that anything is still possible!<\/p>\nSky expert and record-breaking international Lothar Matthäus went even further in his assessment, putting the development down to one person: \u201cI think that BVB can be proud of this Bundesliga season and proud of these 13 or 14 months with Niko Kovac. How they extricated themselves from the situation and sensationally achieved a minimal target last year.\u201d And now they have successfully fended off a challenge from a rival for second place, consolidating their position in the table with an 11-point lead. \u201cHis tactics have worked brilliantly again today,\u201d said Matthäus about Kovac, adding: \u201cAlways keep a clean sheet first.\u201d They have now managed that 13 times this season!<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/05/bl-nachbericht/20-Jubel.jpg\" data-assetref=\"20-Jubel-1775379460233\"><\/p>\n\u201cAll in all, we\u2019re having a really good season,\u201d said Kovac, who had previously spoken very clearly about his team\u2019s shortcomings in the match against VfB \u2013 as can be read <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/4/Reactions-A-crucial-win-on-the-way-to-second-place.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">here in the post-match comments<\/a>. He went on to say: \u201cLast season, we were 25 points behind Bayern Munich, and I think 13 points behind Leverkusen. We\u2019re not finished yet as we\u2019ve still got a few points to pick up, and that\u2019s what we want to do.\u201d<\/p>\nThe team is showing hunger, even if Saturday\u2019s performance in Stuttgart wasn\u2019t what fans, officials and players had expected. After the 14-day international break, Gregor Kobel suggested one possible reason: \u201cI don\u2019t know if it\u2019s down to the international break, where you play different systems and need a bit of time to settle back in here.\u201d The keeper said he was delighted with the two late goals: \u201cWe knew they were vulnerable to counter-attacks.\u201d Karim Adeyemi (90+4) and Julian Brandt (90+6) struck in the closing minutes as VfB had all their attacking players on the pitch and went all out.  <\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/04/05/bl-nachbericht/20-Stuttgart.jpg\" data-assetref=\"20-Stuttgart-1775379481992\"><\/p>\n\u201cThat sucker punch could have gone either way,\u201d said Marcel Sabitzer, adding: \u201cWe defended with real passion. And then we played two good counter-attacks and scored some fine goals. It was a bit lucky, but we\u2019re happy to take it in the end.\u201d Kobel put it in similar terms: \u201cWe took our chances ruthlessly. In the end, it\u2019s three points away from home against a very good opponent in a difficult match.\u201d<\/p>\nJulian Brandt was delighted with the spark the substitutes brought to the game. \u201cKarim scores the goal as a substitute, I score my goal as a substitute and Fabio provides an assist as a substitute.\u201d 14 of the 60 goals this season \u2013 almost one in four \u2013 have been scored by substitutes. No other team comes anywhere near this figure. Sabitzer summed it up: \u201cIf you run a lot and tire the opposition out, you need a few fresh legs coming on. And we have that quality.\u201d \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/4/BVB-win-2-0-at-VfB-Adeyemi-and-Brandt-score-in-added-time.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Match report: Black & Yellows win 2-0 in Swabia<\/a><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/4/4/Facts-club-record-historic-run-best-team-since-the-winter-break.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facts: club record and historic run<\/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":"The late, late show in Stuttgart","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":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569292_28_vfb_stuttgart-borussiadortmund<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2025_2026/22/2569292_28_vfb_stuttgart-borussiadortmund","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-412836260","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":"2026/4/5/The-late-late-show-in-Stuttgart","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/2026/04/05/bl-nachbericht/20A-Jubel.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"isClubMemberNews":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"isClubMemberNews","title":"Club-member only News?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"}}

BVB-Account

MY PROFILE

“That’s why I’m here” – Nico Schlotterbeck on his decision in favour of BVB

More News