What speaks for BVB against Villarreal

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Women","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6d26a1f253":{"dc:description":"<p>To kick off the Westphalia Cup, the BVB Women will face league rival 1. FFC Recklinghausen at Rote Erde Stadium (September 9, 7 p.m.). In this rescheduled first-round match, coach Markus Högner expects an opponent that \u201chas really stepped up its game\u2014and not just on offense.\u201d For forward Alex Popp, the match will be a reunion with her former youth club. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/8/Cup-Match-Under-the-Floodlights-BVB-Women-Host-Recklinghausen.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Cup Match Under the Floodlights: BVB Women Host Recklinghausen","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-08T06:54:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/8/Cup-Match-Under-the-Floodlights-BVB-Women-Host-Recklinghausen.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/vorbericht-frauen/Frauen-Fans.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"08.09.26 06:54 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>To kick off the Westphalia Cup, the BVB Women will face league rival 1. FFC Recklinghausen at Rote Erde Stadium (September 9, 7 p.m.). In this rescheduled first-round match, coach Markus Högner expects an opponent that \u201chas really stepped up its game\u2014and not just on offense.\u201d For forward Alex Popp, the match will be a reunion with her former youth club. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"To kick off the Westphalia Cup, the BVB Women will face league rival 1. FFC Recklinghausen at Rote Erde Stadium (September 9, 7 p.m.). In this rescheduled first-round match, coach Markus Högner expects an opponent that \u201chas really stepped up its game\u2014and not just on offense.\u201d For forward Alex Popp, the match will be a reunion with her former youth club.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2><b>The scenario<\/b><br>\n<\/h2>\n<p>Still undefeated and having yet to concede a goal, the BVB Women are among the top three teams in the Regionalliga West after three matchdays. Regarding the comfortable 3-0 victory over DJK Wacker Mecklenbeck this past weekend, head coach Markus Högner said: \u201cI was satisfied with our performance, but we need to take better advantage of moments when such well-organized opponents briefly lose their shape so we can play even more boldly going forward. It\u2019s also true, however, that we faced a very motivated and in-form team. Mecklenbeck is a team that will give other clubs a run for their money as well.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Roster<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>With the exception of long-term absences Dana Marquardt, Manuela Zinsberger, Yasu Wöhrn, Emilia Pauls, and Mia Scholle, all players are available for the first-round match in the Westphalia Cup. Markus Högner does not rule out changes to the starting lineup, as were made last Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Kreis-Frauen-1788852412040\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/vorbericht-frauen/Kreis-Frauen.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>After three convincing wins, 1. FFC Recklinghausen currently sits in first place in the Regionalliga West\u2014so a top-tier matchup awaits fans at Strobelallee on Wednesday evening in the cup. \u201cThe team has strengthened its roster exceptionally well over the summer,\u201d said Markus Högner. \u201cSari Kobayashi alone, who transferred to 1. FFC from Eintracht Frankfurt\u2019s second team, has already scored five times in this still-young season.\u201d The coach does not consider the lopsided victories the Black and Yellows secured against their neighbors from Recklinghausen last season (6\u20131 and 6\u20130) to be a reliable benchmark: \u201cWe\u2019re expecting a well-established Regionalliga team that has improved significantly, and not just on offense.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><b>A Special Evening<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Following the frustrating elimination against FC Schalke 04 in November 2025, the Borussia women\u2019s team is all the more motivated for this new run in the Westphalia Cup. Markus Högner: \u201cOur goal must be to win this title, not least so that we can compete in the DFB Cup again next season.\u201d The home game under the floodlights will also be a very special one for newcomer Alex Popp: She spent her youth playing for 1. FFC Recklinghausen and then another year with the women\u2019s team. \u201cWe saw just this past Sunday that Alex wants to win every game,\u201d said her coach. \u201cShe is and always will be a competitive player who wants to win titles\u2014even with BVB.\u201d &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The cup match against 1. FFC Recklinghausen kicks off Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Rote Erde Stadium. Tickets are available at the BVB ticket shop (standing room: \u20ac3, seated: \u20ac5). Pluto TV will also broadcast the match <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/watch/live-tv/31330/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=textsearch&amp;utm_campaign=10966097416&amp;utm_content=109063690258&amp;utm_term=pluto+tv&amp;utm_creative=459935485657&amp;device=c&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=10966097416&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt7_391Sro5eSQxhjwAiKdtSDaTp6xOCPS_VPNkYUmSohKmii6Wx5sUaAtSCEALw_wcB\">live and free of charge<\/a>.&nbsp;<br>\n<i>Robert&nbsp;Targan&nbsp;<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2><b>The scenario<\/b><br>\n<\/h2>\n<p>Still undefeated and having yet to concede a goal, the BVB Women are among the top three teams in the Regionalliga West after three matchdays. Regarding the comfortable 3-0 victory over DJK Wacker Mecklenbeck this past weekend, head coach Markus Högner said: \u201cI was satisfied with our performance, but we need to take better advantage of moments when such well-organized opponents briefly lose their shape so we can play even more boldly going forward. It\u2019s also true, however, that we faced a very motivated and in-form team. Mecklenbeck is a team that will give other clubs a run for their money as well.\u201d&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Roster<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>With the exception of long-term absences Dana Marquardt, Manuela Zinsberger, Yasu Wöhrn, Emilia Pauls, and Mia Scholle, all players are available for the first-round match in the Westphalia Cup. Markus Högner does not rule out changes to the starting lineup, as were made last Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Kreis-Frauen-1788852412040\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/vorbericht-frauen/Kreis-Frauen.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>After three convincing wins, 1. FFC Recklinghausen currently sits in first place in the Regionalliga West\u2014so a top-tier matchup awaits fans at Strobelallee on Wednesday evening in the cup. \u201cThe team has strengthened its roster exceptionally well over the summer,\u201d said Markus Högner. \u201cSari Kobayashi alone, who transferred to 1. FFC from Eintracht Frankfurt\u2019s second team, has already scored five times in this still-young season.\u201d The coach does not consider the lopsided victories the Black and Yellows secured against their neighbors from Recklinghausen last season (6\u20131 and 6\u20130) to be a reliable benchmark: \u201cWe\u2019re expecting a well-established Regionalliga team that has improved significantly, and not just on offense.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><b>A Special Evening<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Following the frustrating elimination against FC Schalke 04 in November 2025, the Borussia women\u2019s team is all the more motivated for this new run in the Westphalia Cup. Markus Högner: \u201cOur goal must be to win this title, not least so that we can compete in the DFB Cup again next season.\u201d The home game under the floodlights will also be a very special one for newcomer Alex Popp: She spent her youth playing for 1. FFC Recklinghausen and then another year with the women\u2019s team. \u201cWe saw just this past Sunday that Alex wants to win every game,\u201d said her coach. \u201cShe is and always will be a competitive player who wants to win titles\u2014even with BVB.\u201d &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The cup match against 1. FFC Recklinghausen kicks off Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Rote Erde Stadium. Tickets are available at the BVB ticket shop (standing room: \u20ac3, seated: \u20ac5). Pluto TV will also broadcast the match <a href=\"https://pluto.tv/gsa/watch/live-tv/31330/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=textsearch&amp;utm_campaign=10966097416&amp;utm_content=109063690258&amp;utm_term=pluto+tv&amp;utm_creative=459935485657&amp;device=c&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=10966097416&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt7_391Sro5eSQxhjwAiKdtSDaTp6xOCPS_VPNkYUmSohKmii6Wx5sUaAtSCEALw_wcB\">live and free of charge<\/a>.&nbsp;<br>\n<i>Robert&nbsp;Targan&nbsp;<\/i><\/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":"Cup Match Under the Floodlights: BVB Women Host Recklinghausen","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"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. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-345c585281":{"dc:description":"<p>The UEFA Champions League is back in Dortmund! On Tuesday evening (9 p.m.), the floodlights will come on and the anthem will ring out\u2014Borussia Dortmund aims to get off to a winning start in this incomparable atmosphere. Their opponent is Villarreal FC from Spain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/First-Champions-League-Home-Game-Updates-for-the-Match-Against-Villarreal.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"First Champions League Home Game \u2013 Updates for the Match Against Villarreal","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T13:09:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/First-Champions-League-Home-Game-Updates-for-the-Match-Against-Villarreal.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Champions-League-Logo.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":"07.09.26 13:09 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>The UEFA Champions League is back in Dortmund! On Tuesday evening (9 p.m.), the floodlights will come on and the anthem will ring out\u2014Borussia Dortmund aims to get off to a winning start in this incomparable atmosphere. Their opponent is Villarreal FC from Spain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The UEFA Champions League is back in Dortmund! On Tuesday evening (9 p.m.), the floodlights will come on and the anthem will ring out\u2014Borussia Dortmund aims to get off to a winning start in this incomparable atmosphere. Their opponent is Villarreal FC from Spain.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>Monday, September 7, 2026<\/h2>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s what\u2019s on the schedule today:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>11 a.m.: Final training session at the BVB training facility<\/li>\n<li>2:00 p.m.: Press conference with Niko Kovac and Waldemar Anton at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK<\/li>\n<li>8:00 p.m.: Villarreal FC press conference at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>+++ Anton Wants to Take the First Step +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Alongside the head coach, Waldemar Anton will also take his place on the podium in the media room. The defender, who has served as BVB captain so far this season, left no doubt about just how excited he is ahead of Tuesday night:&nbsp;\u201cThe anticipation is huge. For every player who plays for Borussia Dortmund, a home game like this in the UEFA Champions League is something very special. Last season is behind us; we\u2019re looking ahead and going full throttle right from the start. And we want to take the first step tomorrow.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Anton-PK-1788785195070\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Kovac Warns Against Villarreal +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Dortmund coach also emphasized at the press conference that he won\u2019t be misled by FC Villarreal\u2019s current 16th-place standing in Spain: \u201cWe mustn\u2019t make the mistake of overestimating their league position. That doesn\u2019t reflect their performance in the first four league games. And we also know: When the Champions League anthem plays, it\u2019s a whole different story anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Even last year\u2019s decisive 4-0 win over Villarreal no longer matters to Kovac: \u201cIt sounded like a sure thing, but it was actually a very close game.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_pxTc9eUw\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Roster Update +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>At the press conference, head coach Niko Kovac addressed the outstanding personnel issues for Tuesday\u2019s match: In addition to long-term absences Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can (both out with cruciate ligament tears), Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini are suspended due to a red card and a yellow-red card, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, as feared, Filippo Mane will not be an option for tomorrow\u2019s match or the subsequent games: \u201cWe\u2019re assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He\u2019ll certainly return only after that,\u201d Kovac confirmed. Mane had to be substituted due to injury during Saturday\u2019s match against TSG Hoffenheim.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, BVB fans need not worry about Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas, who did not participate in team training on Monday. Regarding them, Kovac said: \u201cThat was completely normal today. It can happen from time to time that we let one or two players recover in the locker room or in the gym. Both are in perfect health and are options for the match.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Anton-Kovac-PK-1788785209564\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-Kovac-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Final Training Session in Brackel +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Champions League balls are ready as Borussia Dortmund\u2019s first team takes the field. Under blue skies, 18 field players and three goalies completed the final training session on Monday morning. Absent: Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas, who are completing an individual session indoors; Ramy Bensebaini, who is suspended for the match; and Filippo Mane, who had to be substituted due to injury against Hoffenheim. Nico Schlotterbeck, Giannis Konstantelias, and Emre Can also remain sidelined. The first 15 minutes are open to the media; the session then continues behind closed doors.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Kreis-1788772535372\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Kreis.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Training-Mannschaft-1788772543129\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Training-Mannschaft.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Training-1788773814211\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Training.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhK_XDl1Z2E\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Strong Home Record to Start the Season +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>With their fans behind them, BVB has typically enjoyed a successful start to the Champions League in the past. They have four wins, two draws, and just one loss. The Black and Yellows haven\u2019t lost an opening match at home in more than 30 years!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Villarreal? That rings a bell? +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;That\u2019s right\u2014the Spanish side was already a guest in Dortmund last season. On Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League in late November 2025, the Black and Yellows won their home game against the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d 4\u20130. Serhou Guirassy (2), Karim Adeyemi, and Daniel Svensson secured the victory.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2-1788527105053\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Perfect weather for a Champions League evening +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The weather is on our side: A mix of sun and clouds is forecast for Tuesday, with temperatures around 19 degrees\u2014perfect conditions for an unforgettable Champions League evening at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK!<\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Tickets still available! +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>With two Bundesliga wins and advancement in the DFB Cup, BVB has gotten off to a perfect start to the new season\u2014and now the next highlight awaits: Champions League soccer in the most beautiful stadium in the world! You can be there\u2014tickets for the match are still available! <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/en/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvben&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=int_profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=int_profi-tickets2627\" target=\"_blank\">Visit the online ticket shop!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Good morning from Dortmund +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Borussians squad is preparing today for the first Black and Yellow UEFA Champions League match of the 2026\u201327 season, which kicks off Tuesday evening at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. The final training session will take place this morning at the training facility in Dortmund-Brackel. This afternoon, Niko Kovac and Waldemar Anton will answer journalists\u2019 questions at the press conference.<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>Monday, September 7, 2026<\/h2>\n<p><b>Here\u2019s what\u2019s on the schedule today:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>11 a.m.: Final training session at the BVB training facility<\/li>\n<li>2:00 p.m.: Press conference with Niko Kovac and Waldemar Anton at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK<\/li>\n<li>8:00 p.m.: Villarreal FC press conference at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>+++ Anton Wants to Take the First Step +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Alongside the head coach, Waldemar Anton will also take his place on the podium in the media room. The defender, who has served as BVB captain so far this season, left no doubt about just how excited he is ahead of Tuesday night:&nbsp;\u201cThe anticipation is huge. For every player who plays for Borussia Dortmund, a home game like this in the UEFA Champions League is something very special. Last season is behind us; we\u2019re looking ahead and going full throttle right from the start. And we want to take the first step tomorrow.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Anton-PK-1788785195070\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Kovac Warns Against Villarreal +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Dortmund coach also emphasized at the press conference that he won\u2019t be misled by FC Villarreal\u2019s current 16th-place standing in Spain: \u201cWe mustn\u2019t make the mistake of overestimating their league position. That doesn\u2019t reflect their performance in the first four league games. And we also know: When the Champions League anthem plays, it\u2019s a whole different story anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Even last year\u2019s decisive 4-0 win over Villarreal no longer matters to Kovac: \u201cIt sounded like a sure thing, but it was actually a very close game.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_pxTc9eUw\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Roster Update +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>At the press conference, head coach Niko Kovac addressed the outstanding personnel issues for Tuesday\u2019s match: In addition to long-term absences Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can (both out with cruciate ligament tears), Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini are suspended due to a red card and a yellow-red card, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, as feared, Filippo Mane will not be an option for tomorrow\u2019s match or the subsequent games: \u201cWe\u2019re assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He\u2019ll certainly return only after that,\u201d Kovac confirmed. Mane had to be substituted due to injury during Saturday\u2019s match against TSG Hoffenheim.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, BVB fans need not worry about Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas, who did not participate in team training on Monday. Regarding them, Kovac said: \u201cThat was completely normal today. It can happen from time to time that we let one or two players recover in the locker room or in the gym. Both are in perfect health and are options for the match.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Anton-Kovac-PK-1788785209564\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-Kovac-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Final Training Session in Brackel +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Champions League balls are ready as Borussia Dortmund\u2019s first team takes the field. Under blue skies, 18 field players and three goalies completed the final training session on Monday morning. Absent: Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas, who are completing an individual session indoors; Ramy Bensebaini, who is suspended for the match; and Filippo Mane, who had to be substituted due to injury against Hoffenheim. Nico Schlotterbeck, Giannis Konstantelias, and Emre Can also remain sidelined. The first 15 minutes are open to the media; the session then continues behind closed doors.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Kreis-1788772535372\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Kreis.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Training-Mannschaft-1788772543129\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Training-Mannschaft.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Training-1788773814211\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Training.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhK_XDl1Z2E\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Strong Home Record to Start the Season +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>With their fans behind them, BVB has typically enjoyed a successful start to the Champions League in the past. They have four wins, two draws, and just one loss. The Black and Yellows haven\u2019t lost an opening match at home in more than 30 years!&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Villarreal? That rings a bell? +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;That\u2019s right\u2014the Spanish side was already a guest in Dortmund last season. On Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League in late November 2025, the Black and Yellows won their home game against the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d 4\u20130. Serhou Guirassy (2), Karim Adeyemi, and Daniel Svensson secured the victory.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2-1788527105053\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Perfect weather for a Champions League evening +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The weather is on our side: A mix of sun and clouds is forecast for Tuesday, with temperatures around 19 degrees\u2014perfect conditions for an unforgettable Champions League evening at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK!<\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Tickets still available! +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>With two Bundesliga wins and advancement in the DFB Cup, BVB has gotten off to a perfect start to the new season\u2014and now the next highlight awaits: Champions League soccer in the most beautiful stadium in the world! You can be there\u2014tickets for the match are still available! <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/en/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvben&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=int_profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=int_profi-tickets2627\" target=\"_blank\">Visit the online ticket shop!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>+++ Good morning from Dortmund +++<\/b><\/p>\n<p>The Borussians squad is preparing today for the first Black and Yellow UEFA Champions League match of the 2026\u201327 season, which kicks off Tuesday evening at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. The final training session will take place this morning at the training facility in Dortmund-Brackel. This afternoon, Niko Kovac and Waldemar Anton will answer journalists\u2019 questions at the press conference.<\/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":"First Champions League Home Game \u2013 Updates for the Match Against Villarreal","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal","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":"2026/9/7/First-Champions-League-Home-Game-Updates-for-the-Match-Against-Villarreal","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"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"<p>true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/A-Fahne-CL.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":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-b14cd9ee33":{"dc:description":"<p>Seven BVB first team players were absent from the final training session ahead of the season\u2019s first UEFA Champions League match against Villarreal CF (8 Sept., 9 p.m.). Head coach Niko Kovac provided an update on the roster situation and gave the all-clear in at least two cases.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/BVB-personnel-Kovac-gives-the-all-clear-in-two-cases.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"BVB personnel: Kovac gives the all-clear in two cases ","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T12:57:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/BVB-personnel-Kovac-gives-the-all-clear-in-two-cases.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/personal-villarreal/bvb-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":"07.09.26 12:57 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>Seven BVB first team players were absent from the final training session ahead of the season\u2019s first UEFA Champions League match against Villarreal CF (8 Sept., 9 p.m.). Head coach Niko Kovac provided an update on the roster situation and gave the all-clear in at least two cases.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Seven BVB first team players were absent from the final training session ahead of the season\u2019s first UEFA Champions League match against Villarreal CF (8 Sept., 9 p.m.). Head coach Niko Kovac provided an update on the roster situation and gave the all-clear in at least two cases.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<p>The fact that defensive all-rounder Daniel Svensson and new signing Konstantinos Karetsas were not on the training field with the team on Monday morning was by design, as Niko Kovac emphasized: \u201cThat was completely normal today. It can happen from time to time that we let one or two players recover in the locker room or in the gym. Both are in perfect health and are options for the game.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The situation is different for Filippo Mane. The 21-year-old had to be substituted in the first half of<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/9/5/BVB-Traumstart-nach-Aufholjagd-in-Hoffenheim-perfekt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> the<\/a> <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/9/5/BVB-Traumstart-nach-Aufholjagd-in-Hoffenheim-perfekt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">last Bundesliga match at TSG Hoffenheim<\/a> due to a muscle injury and will be sidelined for the time being, as Kovac confirmed: \u201cWe\u2019re assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He\u2019ll certainly return after that. Unfortunately, things like this are just part of the game. In terms of training load and training management, everything was top-notch; he had really good endurance and strength numbers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The BVB coach continued to offer encouragement to Mane, who has recently been repeatedly set back by injuries: \u201cHe\u2019ll get through this too, and it will make him stronger again!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"mane-2-1788787590250\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/personal-villarreal/mane-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Kovac Heaps Praise on BVB Captain Anton<\/h2>\n<p>The Black and Yellows will also be without long-term absentees Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can for the match against Villarreal.<\/p>\n<p>Nico Schlotterbeck has recently been able to resume basic drills with the ball, and Ramy Bensebaini is set to return to the BVB squad after recovering from a bruised rib. However, both players are still suspended for the Champions League match against the Spanish side\u2014for which remaining tickets are still available in <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">the<\/a> <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">online ticket shop<\/a>. They were shown red and yellow-red cards, respectively, in the playoff second leg in Bergamo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As captain and the driving force in Dortmund\u2019s defensive line, Waldemar Anton is once again called upon to step up. Ahead of the Villarreal match, Niko Kovac had this to say about the current BVB captain: \u201cWaldi is a leader! But what\u2019s even more important to me is that he\u2019s someone who leads by example. Someone who lives, thinks, eats, and sleeps soccer 24/7. He never gives up and gives his all for the team. He\u2019s a role model, and that\u2019s exactly what we need. With his attitude, his performance, and his charisma, he inspires the players.\u201d<br>\n<i>Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl9-1788787582530\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/personal-villarreal/training-cl9.jpg\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>The fact that defensive all-rounder Daniel Svensson and new signing Konstantinos Karetsas were not on the training field with the team on Monday morning was by design, as Niko Kovac emphasized: \u201cThat was completely normal today. It can happen from time to time that we let one or two players recover in the locker room or in the gym. Both are in perfect health and are options for the game.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The situation is different for Filippo Mane. The 21-year-old had to be substituted in the first half of<a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/9/5/BVB-Traumstart-nach-Aufholjagd-in-Hoffenheim-perfekt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> the<\/a> <a href=\"https://www.bvb.de/de/de/aktuelles/news/news.html/2026/9/5/BVB-Traumstart-nach-Aufholjagd-in-Hoffenheim-perfekt.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">last Bundesliga match at TSG Hoffenheim<\/a> due to a muscle injury and will be sidelined for the time being, as Kovac confirmed: \u201cWe\u2019re assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He\u2019ll certainly return after that. Unfortunately, things like this are just part of the game. In terms of training load and training management, everything was top-notch; he had really good endurance and strength numbers.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The BVB coach continued to offer encouragement to Mane, who has recently been repeatedly set back by injuries: \u201cHe\u2019ll get through this too, and it will make him stronger again!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"mane-2-1788787590250\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/personal-villarreal/mane-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Kovac Heaps Praise on BVB Captain Anton<\/h2>\n<p>The Black and Yellows will also be without long-term absentees Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can for the match against Villarreal.<\/p>\n<p>Nico Schlotterbeck has recently been able to resume basic drills with the ball, and Ramy Bensebaini is set to return to the BVB squad after recovering from a bruised rib. However, both players are still suspended for the Champions League match against the Spanish side\u2014for which remaining tickets are still available in <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">the<\/a> <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">online ticket shop<\/a>. They were shown red and yellow-red cards, respectively, in the playoff second leg in Bergamo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>As captain and the driving force in Dortmund\u2019s defensive line, Waldemar Anton is once again called upon to step up. Ahead of the Villarreal match, Niko Kovac had this to say about the current BVB captain: \u201cWaldi is a leader! But what\u2019s even more important to me is that he\u2019s someone who leads by example. Someone who lives, thinks, eats, and sleeps soccer 24/7. He never gives up and gives his all for the team. He\u2019s a role model, and that\u2019s exactly what we need. With his attitude, his performance, and his charisma, he inspires the players.\u201d<br>\n<i>Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl9-1788787582530\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/personal-villarreal/training-cl9.jpg\"><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-b14cd9ee33","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"BVB personnel: Kovac gives the all-clear in two cases ","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal","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":"2026/9/7/BVB-personnel-Kovac-gives-the-all-clear-in-two-cases","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"},"displayinnewoverview":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"displayinnewoverview","html":"<p>true<\/p>","title":"Display in News Overview","multiValue":false,"value":"true","exportedType":"text/plain"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/personal-villarreal/A-bvb-jubel.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":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4e754267a6":{"dc:description":"<p>Borussia Dortmund kicks off the new UEFA Champions League season on Tuesday evening (8 Sept., 9 p.m.) with a home game against Villarreal CF. Although BVB won 4-0 against the Spanish side last year and the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d has yet to secure a victory in the current Spanish league season, head coach Niko Kovac warns against the opponent and highlights their strengths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/Kovac-warns-against-the-Yellow-Submarine.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Kovac warns against the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T12:54:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/Kovac-warns-against-the-Yellow-Submarine.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/vorbericht-villarreal/kovac-villarreal.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":"07.09.26 12:54 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>Borussia Dortmund kicks off the new UEFA Champions League season on Tuesday evening (8 Sept., 9 p.m.) with a home game against Villarreal CF. Although BVB won 4-0 against the Spanish side last year and the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d has yet to secure a victory in the current Spanish league season, head coach Niko Kovac warns against the opponent and highlights their strengths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund kicks off the new UEFA Champions League season on Tuesday evening (8 Sept., 9 p.m.) with a home game against Villarreal CF. Although BVB won 4-0 against the Spanish side last year and the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d has yet to secure a victory in the current Spanish league season, head coach Niko Kovac warns against the opponent and highlights their strengths.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2>The scenario<\/h2>\n<p>Borussia Dortmund has gotten off to an excellent start. In the Bundesliga, BVB has celebrated two wins in two games, and in the DFB Cup, the Black and Yellows won 5-0 against fifth-division side HEBC, as expected. Following last Saturday\u2019s spectacular comeback at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, the Black and Yellows now consider themselves ready for the season\u2019s first UEFA Champions League match, for which a limited number of tickets are still available in <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/en/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvben&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=int_profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=int_profi-tickets2627\" target=\"_blank\">the online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Villarreal, on the other hand, is still searching for the form it displayed last season, when the club from eastern Spain finished a strong third in La Liga behind FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, thereby qualifying for the Champions League once again ahead of Atlético Madrid and Real Betis. Last Saturday, the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d suffered a 2\u20133 home loss to newly promoted Deportivo A Coruña.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Squad<\/h2>\n<p>During the 3-2 away win in Sinsheim, center back Filippo Mane was injured in the first half and had to be substituted after just 32 minutes. Regarding his condition, head coach Niko Kovac said: \u201cWe\u2019re assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He\u2019ll certainly return after that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"mane-1788785860334\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/vorbericht-villarreal/mane.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>In addition to the young Italian, the injured Giannis Konstantelias, Emre Can, and Nico Schlotterbeck\u2014who is still serving a red-card suspension anyway\u2014remain sidelined. Furthermore, Ramy Bensebaini is still serving his yellow-card suspension from last season and will also not be in the squad.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Although Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas sat out Monday\u2019s final training session&nbsp;with the team, Kovac stated that they are \u201cperfectly healthy\u201d and were therefore absent only for the purpose of managing their workload.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/h2>\n<p>After four matchdays, Villarreal CF is still winless in the Spanish league. Their 2-2 draws against Racing Santander and Atlético Madrid were followed by 0-1 and 2-3 losses to Alavés and A Coruña, respectively, which have sent last season\u2019s third-place finisher tumbling down to 16th place. Only three teams in Spain\u2019s top league have conceded more goals than Villarreal so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, BVB coach Kovac has the utmost respect for his team\u2019s opening opponent in the Champions League: \u201cThey finished third last year and are playing in the Champions League for the second year in a row. Normally, the top three spots in Spain are locked up. If you break into that group (alongside FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid\u2014Ed.), that really says something!\u201d said the 54-year-old about this season\u2019s first Champions League opponent.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to describe Villarreal as a \u201cstrong team\u201d and added: \u201cThey have a new coach now, but they continue to play the Spanish style with a lot of possession. They\u2019re technically very sound and very precise in their execution. When they have the ball, this team makes very few mistakes. We\u2019ll have to make sure we reduce their time in possession. When we have the ball, they can\u2019t play their game and have to defend more, which will hopefully work in our favor. It\u2019s going to be a very difficult game.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Villarreal FC is determined to improve its performance in the Champions League compared to last year and is aiming to reach the playoffs. In the 2025\u201326 season, the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d suffered six additional losses in European competition\u2014in addition to the 0\u20134 defeat at Borussia Dortmund\u2014and was eliminated in 35th place, second-to-last in the group stage.<\/p>\n<h2>Good Memories<\/h2>\n<p>In BVB\u2019s first matchup against Villarreal on November 25, 2025, the Black and Yellows celebrated a 4-0 victory that was never in doubt, with the Spanish side severely weakening themselves as early as the 50th minute when Juan Foyth was shown a red card. At that point, the score had been just 0-1 in favor of the visitors. Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi, and Daniel Svensson then sealed the decisive home victory with their goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"bvb-villarreal-1788785852946\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/vorbericht-villarreal/bvb-villarreal.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, Villarreal CF\u2019s record against German teams in European competition is quite respectable. Prior to last year\u2019s 0\u20134 defeat in Dortmund, the club from the province of Castellón had played 15 competitive matches against Bundesliga teams, recording five wins, five draws, and five losses.<br>\n<i>Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>The scenario<\/h2>\n<p>Borussia Dortmund has gotten off to an excellent start. In the Bundesliga, BVB has celebrated two wins in two games, and in the DFB Cup, the Black and Yellows won 5-0 against fifth-division side HEBC, as expected. Following last Saturday\u2019s spectacular comeback at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, the Black and Yellows now consider themselves ready for the season\u2019s first UEFA Champions League match, for which a limited number of tickets are still available in <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/en/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvben&amp;utm_medium=news&amp;utm_campaign=int_profi-tickets2627&amp;bvb_cid=int_profi-tickets2627\" target=\"_blank\">the online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Villarreal, on the other hand, is still searching for the form it displayed last season, when the club from eastern Spain finished a strong third in La Liga behind FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, thereby qualifying for the Champions League once again ahead of Atlético Madrid and Real Betis. Last Saturday, the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d suffered a 2\u20133 home loss to newly promoted Deportivo A Coruña.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Squad<\/h2>\n<p>During the 3-2 away win in Sinsheim, center back Filippo Mane was injured in the first half and had to be substituted after just 32 minutes. Regarding his condition, head coach Niko Kovac said: \u201cWe\u2019re assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He\u2019ll certainly return after that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"mane-1788785860334\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/vorbericht-villarreal/mane.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>In addition to the young Italian, the injured Giannis Konstantelias, Emre Can, and Nico Schlotterbeck\u2014who is still serving a red-card suspension anyway\u2014remain sidelined. Furthermore, Ramy Bensebaini is still serving his yellow-card suspension from last season and will also not be in the squad.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Although Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas sat out Monday\u2019s final training session&nbsp;with the team, Kovac stated that they are \u201cperfectly healthy\u201d and were therefore absent only for the purpose of managing their workload.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/h2>\n<p>After four matchdays, Villarreal CF is still winless in the Spanish league. Their 2-2 draws against Racing Santander and Atlético Madrid were followed by 0-1 and 2-3 losses to Alavés and A Coruña, respectively, which have sent last season\u2019s third-place finisher tumbling down to 16th place. Only three teams in Spain\u2019s top league have conceded more goals than Villarreal so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, BVB coach Kovac has the utmost respect for his team\u2019s opening opponent in the Champions League: \u201cThey finished third last year and are playing in the Champions League for the second year in a row. Normally, the top three spots in Spain are locked up. If you break into that group (alongside FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid\u2014Ed.), that really says something!\u201d said the 54-year-old about this season\u2019s first Champions League opponent.<\/p>\n<p>He went on to describe Villarreal as a \u201cstrong team\u201d and added: \u201cThey have a new coach now, but they continue to play the Spanish style with a lot of possession. They\u2019re technically very sound and very precise in their execution. When they have the ball, this team makes very few mistakes. We\u2019ll have to make sure we reduce their time in possession. When we have the ball, they can\u2019t play their game and have to defend more, which will hopefully work in our favor. It\u2019s going to be a very difficult game.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Villarreal FC is determined to improve its performance in the Champions League compared to last year and is aiming to reach the playoffs. In the 2025\u201326 season, the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d suffered six additional losses in European competition\u2014in addition to the 0\u20134 defeat at Borussia Dortmund\u2014and was eliminated in 35th place, second-to-last in the group stage.<\/p>\n<h2>Good Memories<\/h2>\n<p>In BVB\u2019s first matchup against Villarreal on November 25, 2025, the Black and Yellows celebrated a 4-0 victory that was never in doubt, with the Spanish side severely weakening themselves as early as the 50th minute when Juan Foyth was shown a red card. At that point, the score had been just 0-1 in favor of the visitors. Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi, and Daniel Svensson then sealed the decisive home victory with their goals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"bvb-villarreal-1788785852946\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/vorbericht-villarreal/bvb-villarreal.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, Villarreal CF\u2019s record against German teams in European competition is quite respectable. Prior to last year\u2019s 0\u20134 defeat in Dortmund, the club from the province of Castellón had played 15 competitive matches against Bundesliga teams, recording five wins, five draws, and five losses.<br>\n<i>Mats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/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":"Kovac warns against the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"<p>To kick off the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund will host Villarreal CF at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. For BVB, this will be their 47th European match against a Spanish club\u2014and their second clash with the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d within ten months. Borussia\u2019s main advantages are their home form and Villarreal\u2019s recent away record.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/What-speaks-for-BVB-against-Villarreal.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"What speaks for BVB against Villarreal","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T11:39:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/What-speaks-for-BVB-against-Villarreal.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/fakten-villarreal/Jubel-Guirassy.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"07.09.26 11:39 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>To kick off the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund will host Villarreal CF at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. For BVB, this will be their 47th European match against a Spanish club\u2014and their second clash with the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d within ten months. Borussia\u2019s main advantages are their home form and Villarreal\u2019s recent away record.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"To kick off the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Dortmund will host Villarreal CF at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. For BVB, this will be their 47th European match against a Spanish club\u2014and their second clash with the \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d within ten months. Borussia\u2019s main advantages are their home form and Villarreal\u2019s recent away record.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<h2><b>BVB is hard to beat at home<\/b><br>\n<\/h2>\n<p>Borussia\u2019s recent Champions League home record speaks clearly in their favor: In their last 23 home games, BVB has recorded 14 wins, along with seven draws and just two losses.<\/p>\n<p>Their record against Spanish teams at home is also positive. Across all competitions, the Black and Yellows have won 12 of 24 home games against La Liga teams, drawn seven times, and lost five times. In their last five home matches, they\u2019ve recorded four wins\u2014against Athletic Club, Villarreal, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid\u2014as well as one loss to Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Svensson-Villarreal-1788781132619\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/fakten-villarreal/Svensson-Villarreal.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Home-Field Advantage with Standing Room<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Since 2022, standing room has once again been permitted for UEFA Champions League matches. This means that up to 81,365 spectators can attend matches at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, even in European competition. Since then, BVB has lost only one of its UEFA Champions League home games. BVB has won 13 matches, and seven have ended in draws.<\/p>\n<h2><b>When BVB plays, there are plenty of goals<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cWherever Dortmund plays, there\u2019s action,\u201d Lars Ricken recently said with regard to the Bundesliga. The statement applies just as much to the UEFA Champions League: In BVB\u2019s 16 matches across the 2024\u201325 and 2025\u201326 league seasons, a total of 70 goals were scored. That\u2019s an average of 4.38 goals per game.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Villarreal Struggles on the Road<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>While BVB can rely on its home form, Villarreal heads to Dortmund on the back of a losing streak on the road. The \u201cSubmarino amarillo\u201d (\u201cYellow Submarine\u201d) has lost its last five away games in European competition. In the Spanish league as well, the club has gone six away games without a win: Since their 2-1 victory at Athletic Bilbao on April 21, they\u2019ve suffered two losses and four draws.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Winless in Germany for six games<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Villarreal\u2019s overall record against German teams is slightly positive, with six wins, five draws, and five losses. The picture is different for away games in Germany: there, the team has two wins, three draws, and four losses.<\/p>\n<p>Although the Spanish side won two of their first three matches in Germany, the club has since gone six games without another victory. Three of those matches ended in draws, and three were losses.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Second matchup in ten months<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The two clubs are facing off for the second time in less than ten months. In November 2025, BVB won 4\u20130. Serhou Guirassy scored twice, while Karim Adeyemi and Daniel Svensson added the other goals. However, Borussia played with a man advantage starting in the 53rd minute.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Guirassy-Villarreal-1788781109957\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/fakten-villarreal/Guirassy-Villarreal.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Just one point in the 2025\u201326 group stage<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>For the club from the province of Castello, last season marked its fifth appearance in the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniards finished the group stage in 35th place in the standings. Villarreal earned just one point\u2014in a 2\u20132 draw against Juventus Turin.<\/p>\n<h2><b>A European Cup winner without a domestic title<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Despite the disappointing Champions League season, Villarreal looks back on a remarkable international history. The club celebrated its greatest success in 2021 by winning the UEFA Europa League. This makes Villarreal the only European cup winner that had previously won neither a national championship nor a national cup.<br>\n<i>Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2><b>BVB is hard to beat at home<\/b><br>\n<\/h2>\n<p>Borussia\u2019s recent Champions League home record speaks clearly in their favor: In their last 23 home games, BVB has recorded 14 wins, along with seven draws and just two losses.<\/p>\n<p>Their record against Spanish teams at home is also positive. Across all competitions, the Black and Yellows have won 12 of 24 home games against La Liga teams, drawn seven times, and lost five times. In their last five home matches, they\u2019ve recorded four wins\u2014against Athletic Club, Villarreal, FC Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid\u2014as well as one loss to Barcelona.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Svensson-Villarreal-1788781132619\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/fakten-villarreal/Svensson-Villarreal.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Home-Field Advantage with Standing Room<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Since 2022, standing room has once again been permitted for UEFA Champions League matches. This means that up to 81,365 spectators can attend matches at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, even in European competition. Since then, BVB has lost only one of its UEFA Champions League home games. BVB has won 13 matches, and seven have ended in draws.<\/p>\n<h2><b>When BVB plays, there are plenty of goals<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>\u201cWherever Dortmund plays, there\u2019s action,\u201d Lars Ricken recently said with regard to the Bundesliga. The statement applies just as much to the UEFA Champions League: In BVB\u2019s 16 matches across the 2024\u201325 and 2025\u201326 league seasons, a total of 70 goals were scored. That\u2019s an average of 4.38 goals per game.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Villarreal Struggles on the Road<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>While BVB can rely on its home form, Villarreal heads to Dortmund on the back of a losing streak on the road. The \u201cSubmarino amarillo\u201d (\u201cYellow Submarine\u201d) has lost its last five away games in European competition. In the Spanish league as well, the club has gone six away games without a win: Since their 2-1 victory at Athletic Bilbao on April 21, they\u2019ve suffered two losses and four draws.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Winless in Germany for six games<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Villarreal\u2019s overall record against German teams is slightly positive, with six wins, five draws, and five losses. The picture is different for away games in Germany: there, the team has two wins, three draws, and four losses.<\/p>\n<p>Although the Spanish side won two of their first three matches in Germany, the club has since gone six games without another victory. Three of those matches ended in draws, and three were losses.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Second matchup in ten months<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The two clubs are facing off for the second time in less than ten months. In November 2025, BVB won 4\u20130. Serhou Guirassy scored twice, while Karim Adeyemi and Daniel Svensson added the other goals. However, Borussia played with a man advantage starting in the 53rd minute.<\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Guirassy-Villarreal-1788781109957\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/fakten-villarreal/Guirassy-Villarreal.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2><b>Just one point in the 2025\u201326 group stage<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>For the club from the province of Castello, last season marked its fifth appearance in the UEFA Champions League. The Spaniards finished the group stage in 35th place in the standings. Villarreal earned just one point\u2014in a 2\u20132 draw against Juventus Turin.<\/p>\n<h2><b>A European Cup winner without a domestic title<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Despite the disappointing Champions League season, Villarreal looks back on a remarkable international history. The club celebrated its greatest success in 2021 by winning the UEFA Europa League. This makes Villarreal the only European cup winner that had previously won neither a national championship nor a national cup.<br>\n<i>Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/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":"What speaks for BVB against Villarreal","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHomeMainstage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayOnHomeMainstage","title":"Display in Main Stage on Homepage","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"author":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"author","title":"Author","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"teaserType":"relatedContent","match":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"content-fragment","name":"match","html":"<p>/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/profis/2026_2027/5/2685374_1_borussiadortmund-villarreal","exportedType":"text/plain"},"externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-3304a94386":{"dc:description":"<p>On Tuesday evening (8 Sept., 9 p.m.), Borussia Dortmund kicks off the 2026\u201327 UEFA Champions League season with a home game against Villarreal CF. The final training session took place on Monday morning at the BVB training facility in Dortmund-Brackel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/Villarreal-up-next-Photos-from-the-final-training-session.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Villarreal up next! Photos from the final training session","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T10:01:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/Villarreal-up-next-Photos-from-the-final-training-session.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl1.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":"07.09.26 10:01 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>On Tuesday evening (8 Sept., 9 p.m.), Borussia Dortmund kicks off the 2026\u201327 UEFA Champions League season with a home game against Villarreal CF. The final training session took place on Monday morning at the BVB training facility in Dortmund-Brackel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"On Tuesday evening (8 Sept., 9 p.m.), Borussia Dortmund kicks off the 2026\u201327 UEFA Champions League season with a home game against Villarreal CF. The final training session took place on Monday morning at the BVB training facility in Dortmund-Brackel.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<p>Eighteen outfield players and three goalies took part in the session, the first 15 minutes of which were open to the media in front of the journalists and their cameras.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the already absent Giannis Konstantelias, Emre Can (both with knee injuries), and Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle), Ramy Bensebaini\u2014who is suspended for Tuesday\u2019s match\u2014and Filippo Mane, who sustained a muscle injury during the 3-2 away win against TSG Hoffenheim, were also absent. In addition, Daniel Svensson and Kosta Karetsas trained individually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday evening, BVB will aim for its fourth consecutive competitive victory across all competitions. Remaining tickets for the Champions League home game against Villarreal CF are still available in <a href=\"ticket-onlineshop.com/queue/view?c=tixx&amp;e=tixxbvbv01&amp;ver=javascript-5.0.1&amp;cver=494&amp;man=TIXX%20BVB&amp;enqueuetoken=eyJ0eXAiOiJRVDEiLCJlbmMiOiJBRVMyNTYiLCJpc3MiOjE3ODg3NzkyNzMyMjEsImV4cCI6MTc4ODc3OTMwMzIyMSwidGkiOiJjMDE2M2QyNS0xY2JlLTQ5NmEtODQwZi1iNTZhYTRmY2ExYjciLCJjIjoidGl4eCIsImUiOiJ0aXh4YnZidjAxIiwiaXAiOiIyMDAxOjllODpkODU5OmJlMDA6ZWM0YzpmOThhOjJlMDQ6ZjJiYSJ9.mw19KlRSnwJOwMrvB1RWlQ.LSWyENRK_qflepLPQh590e1uliyVPYe9jnnM7n7GLyk&amp;t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticket-onlineshop.com%2Fols%2Fbvb%2Fen%2Fprofis%2Fchannel%2Fshop%2Findex%3Futm_source%3Dbvben%26utm_medium%3Dnews%26utm_campaign%3Dint_profi-tickets2627%26bvb_cid%3Dint_profi-tickets2627&amp;kupver=akamai-5.0.6\" target=\"_blank\">the online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Highlights from the final training session<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl11-1788777446898\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl11.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Training-1788777605052\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Training.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cljobe-1788777466881\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cljobe.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl7-1788777459543\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl7.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl6-1788777480118\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl6.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl9-1788777499947\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl9.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl5-1788777521471\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl5.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl3-1788777541296\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl3.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl10-1788777553448\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl10.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl4-1788777561582\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl4.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl8-1788777572153\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl8.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl12-1788777584646\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl12.jpg\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>Eighteen outfield players and three goalies took part in the session, the first 15 minutes of which were open to the media in front of the journalists and their cameras.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the already absent Giannis Konstantelias, Emre Can (both with knee injuries), and Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle), Ramy Bensebaini\u2014who is suspended for Tuesday\u2019s match\u2014and Filippo Mane, who sustained a muscle injury during the 3-2 away win against TSG Hoffenheim, were also absent. In addition, Daniel Svensson and Kosta Karetsas trained individually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday evening, BVB will aim for its fourth consecutive competitive victory across all competitions. Remaining tickets for the Champions League home game against Villarreal CF are still available in <a href=\"ticket-onlineshop.com/queue/view?c=tixx&amp;e=tixxbvbv01&amp;ver=javascript-5.0.1&amp;cver=494&amp;man=TIXX%20BVB&amp;enqueuetoken=eyJ0eXAiOiJRVDEiLCJlbmMiOiJBRVMyNTYiLCJpc3MiOjE3ODg3NzkyNzMyMjEsImV4cCI6MTc4ODc3OTMwMzIyMSwidGkiOiJjMDE2M2QyNS0xY2JlLTQ5NmEtODQwZi1iNTZhYTRmY2ExYjciLCJjIjoidGl4eCIsImUiOiJ0aXh4YnZidjAxIiwiaXAiOiIyMDAxOjllODpkODU5OmJlMDA6ZWM0YzpmOThhOjJlMDQ6ZjJiYSJ9.mw19KlRSnwJOwMrvB1RWlQ.LSWyENRK_qflepLPQh590e1uliyVPYe9jnnM7n7GLyk&amp;t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticket-onlineshop.com%2Fols%2Fbvb%2Fen%2Fprofis%2Fchannel%2Fshop%2Findex%3Futm_source%3Dbvben%26utm_medium%3Dnews%26utm_campaign%3Dint_profi-tickets2627%26bvb_cid%3Dint_profi-tickets2627&amp;kupver=akamai-5.0.6\" target=\"_blank\">the online ticket shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Highlights from the final training session<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl11-1788777446898\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl11.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Training-1788777605052\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Training.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cljobe-1788777466881\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cljobe.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl7-1788777459543\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl7.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl6-1788777480118\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl6.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl9-1788777499947\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl9.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl5-1788777521471\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl5.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl3-1788777541296\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl3.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl10-1788777553448\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl10.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl4-1788777561582\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl4.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl8-1788777572153\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl8.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-assetref=\"training-cl12-1788777584646\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/abschlusstraining-villarreal/training-cl12.jpg\"><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-3304a94386","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Villarreal up next! 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"<p>Borussia Dortmund is participating in the UEFA Champions League for the 21st time. In their home match against Villarreal CF on Tuesday evening (9:00 p.m.), BVB will once again kick off a season on the European stage at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/Strong-Start-to-the-Season-BVB-Relying-on-Home-Advantage-Once-Again.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Strong start to the season: BVB relying on home advantage once again","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T09:29:00Z"}},"displayTag":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"displayTag","title":"Display Department","multiValue":true,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"metadescription":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"metadescription","title":"Meta Description","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"linkTarget":"_self","link":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/7/Strong-Start-to-the-Season-BVB-Relying-on-Home-Advantage-Once-Again.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/heimbilanz/Suedtribuene-Fans.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"experience":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"experience","title":"Experience Fragment","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExport":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExport","title":"App Export (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"showDate":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"calendar","name":"showDate","title":"Show Date and Time (CET)","multiValue":false,"value":"07.09.26 09:29 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"<p>Borussia Dortmund is participating in the UEFA Champions League for the 21st time. In their home match against Villarreal CF on Tuesday evening (9:00 p.m.), BVB will once again kick off a season on the European stage at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund is participating in the UEFA Champions League for the 21st time. In their home match against Villarreal CF on Tuesday evening (9:00 p.m.), BVB will once again kick off a season on the European stage at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"<p>With its fans behind them, BVB has typically enjoyed a successful start to the Champions League in the past. The team has recorded four wins, two draws, and just one loss.&nbsp;<br>\n<\/p>\n<p>On September 13, 1995, in their very first UEFA Champions League match, Ottmar Hitzfeld\u2019s team lost 1\u20133 to eventual champions Juventus Turin. Since then, they haven\u2019t lost an opening match on home turf. Most recently, there have been three home wins and one draw\u2014and not a single goal conceded! A 1-0 win against Ajax (2012), a 2-0 win against Arsenal (2014), a 0-0 draw against Barcelona (2019), and a 3-0 win against Copenhagen (2022) make up the record for the past four opening matches at their home stadium.<\/p>\n<p>Incidentally, Villarreal CF has never won on the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League (three draws, two losses). At the start of last season, they lost 0\u20131 at Tottenham Hotspur.&nbsp;<i>(br)<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<p>With its fans behind them, BVB has typically enjoyed a successful start to the Champions League in the past. The team has recorded four wins, two draws, and just one loss.&nbsp;<br>\n<\/p>\n<p>On September 13, 1995, in their very first UEFA Champions League match, Ottmar Hitzfeld\u2019s team lost 1\u20133 to eventual champions Juventus Turin. Since then, they haven\u2019t lost an opening match on home turf. Most recently, there have been three home wins and one draw\u2014and not a single goal conceded! A 1-0 win against Ajax (2012), a 2-0 win against Arsenal (2014), a 0-0 draw against Barcelona (2019), and a 3-0 win against Copenhagen (2022) make up the record for the past four opening matches at their home stadium.<\/p>\n<p>Incidentally, Villarreal CF has never won on the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League (three draws, two losses). 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