Match Report

Late-Game Urgency Sees BVB Bag First Champions League Win

Following successful outings in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, Borussia Dortmund has gotten off to a winning start in the UEFA Champions League as well On matchday 1 of the league phase, BVB defeated last season's ’s third-place La Liga finisher from Spain, FC Villarreal, 3-2 (0-0 at half). In a match that was tightly contested early on, the Black and Yellow rode a late Guirassy brace (80’ & 85’) to victory, following Mourino's 66th-minute equalizer for 1–1. An own goal by Veiga in the 53rd minute had openend the scoring for Dortmund. The BVB fans at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK witnessed some late-game drama when a Guirassy own goal (90’+3) cut their side's lead to one.

In a first half marked by Konstantinos Karetsas having to come off and subsequent concerns over the 18-year-old's wellbeing, Borussia put in the work but seemed to lack urgency and presence of mind. 24 minutes in, Karetsas suddenly raised his arm during an attacking sequence, dropped to the ground, and covered his face. He was attended to by two doctors for several minutes before being stretchered off the field. The quick diagnosis found lightheadedness as a result of cirulatory issues to be the cause of the concerning incident. The Greek international was taken to the hospital for further checks.

Entering the match with two changes from the starting lineup against Hoffenheim, BVB had two half-chances early on, Sabitzer seeing his effort blocked and Guirassy being unable to reach a cross by Maxi Beier. After that, the game slowed to a crawl, with Villarreal defending deep and utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. It wasn’t until shortly before halftime that Borussia manage to up the pressure and create chances through Ethan Nwaneri and Serhou Guirassy. While Nwaneri's shot was blocked (44'), Serhou Guirassy attempted to round Peter Gulacsi, forcing a strong intervention from the former Leipzig backstop (45'+1).

The second half began with a body check by Mourino against Felix Nmecha inside the penalty area, but the referee showed little interest. In the 51st minute, Nwaneri was first picked out by Nmecha and then denied a shot by Gueye, whose sliding challenge sent the ball bouncing off the inside of the right post and back out. Two minutes later, Beier made his way down the left and past Mourino, followed by a hard centering ball from the byline. Gulacsi deflected the ball off Veiga’s upper arm, from where it trickled across the line for 1-0.

Villarreal subsequently adjusted its tactics, made several attacking substitutions, and pushed for the equalizer. Kobel, who had only once been seriously tested in the first half, making a strong save against Buchanan (41'), now had to spring into action on several occasions. After parrying Santi’s shot around the post (65'), the Swiss international was left helpless when Mikautadze's subsequent corner kick was met by Mourino, who outjumped Ryerson and headed the ball inside the near post for the equalizer. Shortly afterward, Kobel prevented his side from falling behind 2-1, producing and excellent save against Buchanan (68').

Niko Kovac’s substitutions got the Black & Yellow back on track. After forcing Gulacsi into a save seconds after coming on (76'), Fabio Silva ran onto a through ball from Bellingham on the right flank and drove into the penalty area. The Portuguese then squared the ball to Guirassy, who poked it over the line with his outstretched leg (80'). Gulacsi prevented Silva from sealing the deal three minutes later (83'), but another two minutes after that, Guirassy converted a penalty kick for 3-1. The striker stepped up after having himself been brought down inside the box by Mourino on a corner kick. Well inside stoppage time, the visitors pulled one back when Kobel deflected a free kick off Guirassy's face for a highly unfortunate own goal.

Champions League action won’t resume for five weeks. On October 14, BVB will face Bodø/Glimt in Norway, with three Bundesliga matches to be played between now and then – this coming Saturday against Paderborn, a week later at Stuttgart, and on the second weekend of October against Bremen.

Borussia Dortmund – FC VILLARREAL 3-2 (0-0)

UEFA Champions League, Matchday 1 Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 21:00 (9 p.m.) CEST

BVB: Kobel – Gadou, Anton, Svensson – Ryerson, Veerman, Nmecha (75’ Bellingham), Beier (82’ Prates) – Karetsas (27’ Nwaneri, 82’ Chukwuemeka), Sabitzer (75’ Silva) – Guirassy
Bench: Meyer, Drewes; Reggiani, Inacio, Albert
Unavailable: Bensebaini (suspended), Can, Konstantelias (both torn cruciate ligaments), Lerma, Mane (both muscular injuries), Schlotterbeck (injury rehab)

Villarreal: Gulacsi – Mourino, Navarro (83' Alassane), Veiga, Cardona (46' Freeman) – Santi, Gueye – Saliba (59' Pepé) – Buchanan (75' Diatta), Mikautadze, Oluwaseyi (59' Moleiro)
Bench: Gomez, Junior; Costa, Macia, Akhomach, Ayoze, Gerard

Goals: 1–0 Veiga (54', own goal from Beier), 1–1 Mourino (66', from Mikautadze), 2–1 Guirassy (80', from Silva), 3–1 Guirassy (85'., penalty kick after Mourino's foul on Guirassy), 3–2 Guirassy (90'+3, own goal)
Yellow cards: Anton – Navarro, Cardona, Mourino
Referee: Sozza (from Italy)
Attendance: 77,500 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK
Boris Rupert

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In addition, Enzo Duarte dos Santos and Mussa Kaba\u2014who had initially been slated to play in the Youth League\u2014remain sidelined.<\/p>\nGoalkeeper Aaron Held and defender Tim Degener\u2014two of the five older players allowed\u2014joined the starting lineup, which also saw the return of Jan-Luca Riedl, Luke Fahrenhorst, and Fadi Zarqelain (all most recently with the U23s). The squad was rounded out by U17 players Niclas Goldberg, Hamzath Mohamadou, and Georgio Zisopoulos.  <\/p>\n<h2>Match Summary<\/b><\/h2>\nThe Black and Yellows started strongly and pressured the defensively compact visitors with high pressing and strong tackling. Tim Degener had the first shot on goal. However, his 16-meter shot posed no major problems for Villarreal goalkeeper Pablo Polo (11th minute). Justin Hoy, once again very active, tried his luck from the left side shortly afterward, but to no avail. The same happened in the 34th minute, when, following a combination play involving Fahrenhorst and Degener, he was denied by Polo, and Ahmad Najdi failed to capitalize on the rebound. Hoy was rewarded for his presence and willingness to run in the 39th minute with the opening goal. After dribbling past his defender, he fired the ball into the net from a tight angle.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"riedlU23-1788887320421\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/spielbericht-u19/riedlU23.jpg\"><\/p>\nThe Black and Yellows\u2019 celebration had barely died down when the Spaniards\u2014who had managed only a few offensive moves up to that point\u2014responded with the equalizer. After Dortmund lost possession in midfield, they quickly combined their way toward the BVB penalty area. The unmarked Gonzales Garcia had no trouble slotting home a cross from his teammate Guillamon to make it 1\u20131\u2014a fortunate halftime score for Villarreal.<\/p>\nThe Borussians remained on the attack and in control of the team after the restart. In the 53rd minute, they celebrated Jan-Luca Riedl, who had scored a dream goal with a long-range shot from the right side into the left corner. But once again, the joy was short-lived. In the 68th minute, Villarreal punished their opponents\u2019 sloppy defending by equalizing once more: Sergio Barrera headed a cross from Mauro Roca into the net.  <\/p>\nFive minutes later, the visitors completely turned the game around. Aaron Held parried a shot by substitute Rodriguez; the ball bounced unluckily to Niklas König\u2019s feet and then trickled over the goal line. Led by Justin Hoy and with new players in several positions, the young Borussians side pressed for the equalizer. 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Since the striker joined BVB, only Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé have scored more goals in the UEFA Champions League than Guirassy, who enjoyed a special evening in more ways than one.","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":"\u201cI\u2019m very, very happy to have played a hundred games for Dortmund - I didn\u2019t even realize that,\u201d said the 30-year-old forward, who joined BVB from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2024. 100 competitive matches in just over two years are also a testament to his tremendous resilience, coupled with his incredible finishing accuracy in front of the net. In the 3-2 home win against Villarreal CF, Guirassy scored his 63rd and 64th goals in a BVB jersey. He only Erling Haaland, who scored a staggering 86 goals in 89 competitive appearances for the Black & Yellow. Lothar Emmerich scored 64 times in his first 100 Bundesliga matches for Borussia Dortmund.<\/p>\n<h2>Only Reus Ahead of Guirassy in the Champions League<\/h2>\nGuirassy has also climbed past Robert Lewandowski on the list of BVB's top all-time Champions League golscorers. While the Polish forward tallied 17 times in 28 games, Guirassy scored his 18th and 19th goals in his 25th UEFA Champions League match for Borussia. 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In the 3-2 home win against Villarreal CF, Guirassy scored his 63rd and 64th goals in a BVB jersey. He only Erling Haaland, who scored a staggering 86 goals in 89 competitive appearances for the Black & Yellow. Lothar Emmerich scored 64 times in his first 100 Bundesliga matches for Borussia Dortmund.<\/p>\n<h2>Only Reus Ahead of Guirassy in the Champions League<\/h2>\nGuirassy has also climbed past Robert Lewandowski on the list of BVB's top all-time Champions League golscorers. While the Polish forward tallied 17 times in 28 games, Guirassy scored his 18th and 19th goals in his 25th UEFA Champions League match for Borussia. He now only trails club legemd Marco Reus, who has 24 goals in 72 UEFA Champions League games. \u201cOf course, it\u2019s something very special to break Lewandowski\u2019s record, because he\u2019s a great striker,\u201d Guirassy told Prime<\/i>.<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"66-Guirassy-1788907423942\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-fakten-o-text2/66-Guirassy.jpg\"><\/p>\n\u201cIt was a strange game tonight - a crazy game,\u201d remarked the  Guinea international after the 3-2 win over Villarreal, \u201cWe could have done better, but we\u2019re happy with the win.\u201d \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-345c585281","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":"A Very Special Milestone for Serhou Guirassy","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":"/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,"value":"1910664397","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-b14cd9ee33":{"dc:description":"Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and two-goal scorer Serhou Guirassy discussed the game as well as the performance by Fabio Silva, whose introduction into the match proved decisive for the victory. Lars Ricken, Ole Book and Daniel Svensson also offered their thoughts. Check out the postgame quotes!<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/8/Postgame-Quotes-Fabio-Threatened-from-His-First-Touch-on-the-Ball.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Postgame Quotes: \u201cFabio Threatened from His First Touch on the Ball\"","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-08T21:45:00Z"}},"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/Postgame-Quotes-Fabio-Threatened-from-His-First-Touch-on-the-Ball.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-reaktionen/67M-Kobel.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 21:45 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and two-goal scorer Serhou Guirassy discussed the game as well as the performance by Fabio Silva, whose introduction into the match proved decisive for the victory. Lars Ricken, Ole Book and Daniel Svensson also offered their thoughts. Check out the postgame quotes!<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and two-goal scorer Serhou Guirassy discussed the game as well as the performance by Fabio Silva, whose introduction into the match proved decisive for the victory. Lars Ricken, Ole Book and Daniel Svensson also offered their thoughts. Check out the postgame quotes!","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"Lars Ricken<\/b> (in the mixed zone): \u201c[Konstantinos Karetsas] felt lightheaded due to circulatory issues. There were no signs of it beforehand. He went to the hospital for further tests. It would be irresponsible to speculate at this point. Despite our concerns, we're excited about the win. It took a really big effort. It feels great to start the Champions League season this way. It was nice to see that the players who came on really stepped up their game. Nwaneri played well. Jobe [Bellingham] really owned the midfield again, and Fabio Silva made the difference in the end. I have to give props to the team because it\u2019s not easy when you see a teammate being carried off the field on a stretcher and you don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong with him exactly .\u201d<\/p>\nOle Book<\/b> (in the mixed zone): \u201cWe had a lot of good moments in terms of our play and had the game under control. Around the time of the first goal we conceded, we lost our rhythm a bit, and Villarreal had a few chances at that point. We also can\u2019t forget that this was last year\u2019s third-place team from the Spanish league. Overall, we showed our class both defensively and offensively. All of us are noticing what a great job Fábio Silva has been doing up top. And everyone knows that Serhou Guirassy is one of the best strikers around.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"66-Book-1788905682692\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-reaktionen/66-Book.jpg\"><\/p>\nGregor Kobel<\/b> (on Prime): \u201cIt was a hard-fought victory. I don\u2019t know if it was a grind-it-out win. We played good soccer at times today as well. But yes, it got a little tense again toward the end. It was a good game, and I think we deserved the three points. Fabio [Silva] is on fire. He brings great energy to the game. He was lively today, ran a lot, and threatened from his first touch on the ball. It\u2019s fun playing with him. When he plays like this, he\u2019s very, very dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\nSerhou Guirassy<\/b> (on Prime): \u201cI\u2019m very happy with the result. It was a crazy game and once again a very special atmosphere. Of course, I\u2019m very grateful to Fábio for his great assist. We shouldn\u2019t have conceded those goals. We still need to work on that. But in the end, we\u2019re glad we won. That gives us confidence for the rest of the season.\u201d<\/p>\nDaniel Svensson<\/b> (in the mixed zone): \u201cThis win is very important. We have a total of eight games, and of course we want to win as many of them as possible. We know how strong our opponents are, so a win right off the bat feels especially good. We still need to find a way to control the game better so it doesn\u2019t get so close at the end again.\u201d<\/p>\nRecorded by Mats Roth and Boris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Lars Ricken<\/b> (in the mixed zone): \u201c[Konstantinos Karetsas] felt lightheaded due to circulatory issues. There were no signs of it beforehand. He went to the hospital for further tests. It would be irresponsible to speculate at this point. Despite our concerns, we're excited about the win. It took a really big effort. It feels great to start the Champions League season this way. It was nice to see that the players who came on really stepped up their game. Nwaneri played well. Jobe [Bellingham] really owned the midfield again, and Fabio Silva made the difference in the end. I have to give props to the team because it\u2019s not easy when you see a teammate being carried off the field on a stretcher and you don\u2019t know what\u2019s wrong with him exactly .\u201d<\/p>\nOle Book<\/b> (in the mixed zone): \u201cWe had a lot of good moments in terms of our play and had the game under control. Around the time of the first goal we conceded, we lost our rhythm a bit, and Villarreal had a few chances at that point. We also can\u2019t forget that this was last year\u2019s third-place team from the Spanish league. Overall, we showed our class both defensively and offensively. All of us are noticing what a great job Fábio Silva has been doing up top. And everyone knows that Serhou Guirassy is one of the best strikers around.\u201d<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"66-Book-1788905682692\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-reaktionen/66-Book.jpg\"><\/p>\nGregor Kobel<\/b> (on Prime): \u201cIt was a hard-fought victory. I don\u2019t know if it was a grind-it-out win. We played good soccer at times today as well. But yes, it got a little tense again toward the end. It was a good game, and I think we deserved the three points. Fabio [Silva] is on fire. He brings great energy to the game. He was lively today, ran a lot, and threatened from his first touch on the ball. It\u2019s fun playing with him. When he plays like this, he\u2019s very, very dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\nSerhou Guirassy<\/b> (on Prime): \u201cI\u2019m very happy with the result. It was a crazy game and once again a very special atmosphere. Of course, I\u2019m very grateful to Fábio for his great assist. We shouldn\u2019t have conceded those goals. We still need to work on that. But in the end, we\u2019re glad we won. That gives us confidence for the rest of the season.\u201d<\/p>\nDaniel Svensson<\/b> (in the mixed zone): \u201cThis win is very important. We have a total of eight games, and of course we want to win as many of them as possible. We know how strong our opponents are, so a win right off the bat feels especially good. We still need to find a way to control the game better so it doesn\u2019t get so close at the end again.\u201d<\/p>\nRecorded by Mats Roth and Boris Rupert<\/i><\/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":"Postgame Quotes: \u201cFabio Threatened from His First Touch on the Ball\"","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":"/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-4e754267a6":{"dc:description":"Following successful outings in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, Borussia Dortmund has gotten off to a winning start in the UEFA Champions League as well On matchday 1 of the league phase, BVB defeated last season's \u2019s third-place La Liga finisher from Spain, FC Villarreal, 3-2 (0-0 at half). In a match that was tightly contested early on, the Black and Yellow rode a late Guirassy brace (80\u2019 & 85\u2019) to victory, following Mourino's 66th-minute equalizer for 1\u20131. An own goal by Veiga in the 53rd minute had openend the scoring for Dortmund. The BVB fans at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK witnessed some late-game drama when a Guirassy own goal (90\u2019+3) cut their side's lead to one.<\/p>\n","xdm:linkURL":"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2026/9/8/Late-Game-Urgency-Sees-BVB-Bag-First-Champions-League-Win.html","@type":"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable","dc:title":"Late-Game Urgency Sees BVB Bag First Champions League Win","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-08T20:45:00Z"}},"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/Late-Game-Urgency-Sees-BVB-Bag-First-Champions-League-Win.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68M-Ryerson.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 20:45 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Following successful outings in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, Borussia Dortmund has gotten off to a winning start in the UEFA Champions League as well On matchday 1 of the league phase, BVB defeated last season's \u2019s third-place La Liga finisher from Spain, FC Villarreal, 3-2 (0-0 at half). In a match that was tightly contested early on, the Black and Yellow rode a late Guirassy brace (80\u2019 & 85\u2019) to victory, following Mourino's 66th-minute equalizer for 1\u20131. An own goal by Veiga in the 53rd minute had openend the scoring for Dortmund. The BVB fans at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK witnessed some late-game drama when a Guirassy own goal (90\u2019+3) cut their side's lead to one.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Following successful outings in the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal, Borussia Dortmund has gotten off to a winning start in the UEFA Champions League as well On matchday 1 of the league phase, BVB defeated last season's \u2019s third-place La Liga finisher from Spain, FC Villarreal, 3-2 (0-0 at half). In a match that was tightly contested early on, the Black and Yellow rode a late Guirassy brace (80\u2019 & 85\u2019) to victory, following Mourino's 66th-minute equalizer for 1\u20131. An own goal by Veiga in the 53rd minute had openend the scoring for Dortmund. The BVB fans at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK witnessed some late-game drama when a Guirassy own goal (90\u2019+3) cut their side's lead to one.","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 a first half marked by Konstantinos Karetsas having to come off and subsequent concerns over the 18-year-old's wellbeing, Borussia put in the work but seemed to lack urgency and presence of mind. 24 minutes in, Karetsas suddenly raised his arm during an attacking sequence, dropped to the ground, and covered his face. He was attended to by two doctors for several minutes before being stretchered off the field. The quick diagnosis found lightheadedness as a result of cirulatory issues to be the cause of the concerning incident. The Greek international was taken to the hospital for further checks.<\/p>\nEntering the match with two changes from the starting lineup against Hoffenheim, BVB had two half-chances early on, Sabitzer seeing his effort blocked and Guirassy being unable to reach a cross by Maxi Beier. After that, the game slowed to a crawl, with Villarreal defending deep and utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. It wasn\u2019t until shortly before halftime that Borussia manage to up the pressure and create chances through Ethan Nwaneri and Serhou Guirassy. While Nwaneri's shot was blocked (44'), Serhou Guirassy attempted to round Peter Gulacsi, forcing a strong intervention from the former Leipzig backstop (45'+1).<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"68-Karetsas-1788897713428\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68-Karetsas.jpg\"><\/p>\nThe second half began with a body check by Mourino against Felix Nmecha inside the penalty area, but the referee showed little interest. In the 51st minute, Nwaneri was first picked out by Nmecha and then denied a shot by Gueye, whose sliding challenge sent the ball bouncing off the inside of the right post and back out. Two minutes later, Beier made his way down the left and past Mourino, followed by a hard centering ball from the byline. Gulacsi deflected the ball off Veiga\u2019s upper arm, from where it trickled across the line for 1-0.<\/p>\nVillarreal subsequently adjusted its tactics, made several attacking substitutions, and pushed for the equalizer. Kobel, who had only once been seriously tested in the first half, making a strong save against Buchanan (41'), now had to spring into action on several occasions. After parrying Santi\u2019s shot around the post (65'), the Swiss international was left helpless when Mikautadze's subsequent corner kick was met by Mourino, who outjumped Ryerson and headed the ball inside the near post for the equalizer. Shortly afterward, Kobel prevented his side from falling behind 2-1, producing and excellent save against Buchanan (68').<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"68-Sabitzer-1788897757645\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68-Sabitzer.jpg\"><\/p>\nNiko Kovac\u2019s substitutions got the Black & Yellow back on track. After forcing Gulacsi into a save seconds after coming on (76'), Fabio Silva ran onto a through ball from Bellingham on the right flank and drove into the penalty area. The Portuguese then squared the ball to Guirassy, who poked it over the line with his outstretched leg (80'). Gulacsi prevented Silva from sealing the deal three minutes later (83'), but another two minutes after that, Guirassy converted a penalty kick for 3-1. The striker stepped up after having himself been brought down inside the box by Mourino on a corner kick. Well inside stoppage time, the visitors pulled one back when Kobel deflected a free kick off Guirassy's face for a highly unfortunate own goal.<\/p>\nChampions League action won\u2019t resume for five weeks. On October 14, BVB will face Bodø/Glimt in Norway, with three Bundesliga matches to be played between now and then \u2013 this coming Saturday against Paderborn, a week later at Stuttgart, and on the second weekend of October against Bremen.<\/p>\n<h2>Borussia Dortmund \u2013 FC VILLARREAL 3-2 (0-0)<\/h2>\nUEFA Champions League, Matchday 1 <\/b>Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 21:00 (9 p.m.) CEST<\/p>\nBVB:<\/b> Kobel \u2013 Gadou, Anton, Svensson \u2013 Ryerson, Veerman, Nmecha (75\u2019 Bellingham), Beier (82\u2019 Prates) \u2013 Karetsas (27\u2019 Nwaneri, 82\u2019 Chukwuemeka), Sabitzer (75\u2019 Silva) \u2013 Guirassy \nBench:<\/b> Meyer, Drewes; Reggiani, Inacio, Albert \nUnavailable:<\/b> Bensebaini (suspended), Can, Konstantelias (both torn cruciate ligaments), Lerma, Mane (both muscular injuries), Schlotterbeck (injury rehab)<\/p>\nVillarreal:<\/b> Gulacsi \u2013 Mourino, Navarro (83' Alassane), Veiga, Cardona (46' Freeman) \u2013 Santi, Gueye \u2013 Saliba (59' Pepé) \u2013 Buchanan (75' Diatta), Mikautadze, Oluwaseyi (59' Moleiro) \nBench:<\/b> Gomez, Junior; Costa, Macia, Akhomach, Ayoze, Gerard<\/p>\nGoals:<\/b> 1\u20130 Veiga (54', own goal from Beier), 1\u20131 Mourino (66', from Mikautadze), 2\u20131 Guirassy (80', from Silva), 3\u20131 Guirassy (85'., penalty kick after Mourino's foul on Guirassy), 3\u20132 Guirassy (90'+3, own goal) \nYellow cards:<\/b> Anton \u2013 Navarro, Cardona, Mourino \nReferee:<\/b> Sozza (from Italy) \nAttendance:<\/b> 77,500 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"68-Grafik-1788897738314\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68-Grafik.jpg\"><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"In a first half marked by Konstantinos Karetsas having to come off and subsequent concerns over the 18-year-old's wellbeing, Borussia put in the work but seemed to lack urgency and presence of mind. 24 minutes in, Karetsas suddenly raised his arm during an attacking sequence, dropped to the ground, and covered his face. He was attended to by two doctors for several minutes before being stretchered off the field. The quick diagnosis found lightheadedness as a result of cirulatory issues to be the cause of the concerning incident. The Greek international was taken to the hospital for further checks.<\/p>\nEntering the match with two changes from the starting lineup against Hoffenheim, BVB had two half-chances early on, Sabitzer seeing his effort blocked and Guirassy being unable to reach a cross by Maxi Beier. After that, the game slowed to a crawl, with Villarreal defending deep and utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. It wasn\u2019t until shortly before halftime that Borussia manage to up the pressure and create chances through Ethan Nwaneri and Serhou Guirassy. While Nwaneri's shot was blocked (44'), Serhou Guirassy attempted to round Peter Gulacsi, forcing a strong intervention from the former Leipzig backstop (45'+1).<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"68-Karetsas-1788897713428\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68-Karetsas.jpg\"><\/p>\nThe second half began with a body check by Mourino against Felix Nmecha inside the penalty area, but the referee showed little interest. In the 51st minute, Nwaneri was first picked out by Nmecha and then denied a shot by Gueye, whose sliding challenge sent the ball bouncing off the inside of the right post and back out. Two minutes later, Beier made his way down the left and past Mourino, followed by a hard centering ball from the byline. Gulacsi deflected the ball off Veiga\u2019s upper arm, from where it trickled across the line for 1-0.<\/p>\nVillarreal subsequently adjusted its tactics, made several attacking substitutions, and pushed for the equalizer. Kobel, who had only once been seriously tested in the first half, making a strong save against Buchanan (41'), now had to spring into action on several occasions. After parrying Santi\u2019s shot around the post (65'), the Swiss international was left helpless when Mikautadze's subsequent corner kick was met by Mourino, who outjumped Ryerson and headed the ball inside the near post for the equalizer. Shortly afterward, Kobel prevented his side from falling behind 2-1, producing and excellent save against Buchanan (68').<\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"68-Sabitzer-1788897757645\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68-Sabitzer.jpg\"><\/p>\nNiko Kovac\u2019s substitutions got the Black & Yellow back on track. After forcing Gulacsi into a save seconds after coming on (76'), Fabio Silva ran onto a through ball from Bellingham on the right flank and drove into the penalty area. The Portuguese then squared the ball to Guirassy, who poked it over the line with his outstretched leg (80'). Gulacsi prevented Silva from sealing the deal three minutes later (83'), but another two minutes after that, Guirassy converted a penalty kick for 3-1. The striker stepped up after having himself been brought down inside the box by Mourino on a corner kick. Well inside stoppage time, the visitors pulled one back when Kobel deflected a free kick off Guirassy's face for a highly unfortunate own goal.<\/p>\nChampions League action won\u2019t resume for five weeks. On October 14, BVB will face Bodø/Glimt in Norway, with three Bundesliga matches to be played between now and then \u2013 this coming Saturday against Paderborn, a week later at Stuttgart, and on the second weekend of October against Bremen.<\/p>\n<h2>Borussia Dortmund \u2013 FC VILLARREAL 3-2 (0-0)<\/h2>\nUEFA Champions League, Matchday 1 <\/b>Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 21:00 (9 p.m.) CEST<\/p>\nBVB:<\/b> Kobel \u2013 Gadou, Anton, Svensson \u2013 Ryerson, Veerman, Nmecha (75\u2019 Bellingham), Beier (82\u2019 Prates) \u2013 Karetsas (27\u2019 Nwaneri, 82\u2019 Chukwuemeka), Sabitzer (75\u2019 Silva) \u2013 Guirassy \nBench:<\/b> Meyer, Drewes; Reggiani, Inacio, Albert \nUnavailable:<\/b> Bensebaini (suspended), Can, Konstantelias (both torn cruciate ligaments), Lerma, Mane (both muscular injuries), Schlotterbeck (injury rehab)<\/p>\nVillarreal:<\/b> Gulacsi \u2013 Mourino, Navarro (83' Alassane), Veiga, Cardona (46' Freeman) \u2013 Santi, Gueye \u2013 Saliba (59' Pepé) \u2013 Buchanan (75' Diatta), Mikautadze, Oluwaseyi (59' Moleiro) \nBench:<\/b> Gomez, Junior; Costa, Macia, Akhomach, Ayoze, Gerard<\/p>\nGoals:<\/b> 1\u20130 Veiga (54', own goal from Beier), 1\u20131 Mourino (66', from Mikautadze), 2\u20131 Guirassy (80', from Silva), 3\u20131 Guirassy (85'., penalty kick after Mourino's foul on Guirassy), 3\u20132 Guirassy (90'+3, own goal) \nYellow cards:<\/b> Anton \u2013 Navarro, Cardona, Mourino \nReferee:<\/b> Sozza (from Italy) \nAttendance:<\/b> 77,500 at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK \nBoris Rupert<\/i><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"68-Grafik-1788897738314\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/ucl-spielbericht/68-Grafik.jpg\"><\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4e754267a6","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"Late-Game Urgency Sees BVB Bag First Champions League Win","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":"/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,"value":"-241223486","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":"Women","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-6a9c13e012":{"dc:description":"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.        <\/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":"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.        <\/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>The scenario<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nStill 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     <\/p>\n<h2>Roster<\/b><\/h2>\nWith 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.  <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kreis-Frauen-1788852412040\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/vorbericht-frauen/Kreis-Frauen.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter 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>A Special Evening<\/b><\/h2>\nFollowing 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   <\/p>\nThe 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&utm_medium=textsearch&utm_campaign=10966097416&utm_content=109063690258&utm_term=pluto+tv&utm_creative=459935485657&device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10966097416&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt7_391Sro5eSQxhjwAiKdtSDaTp6xOCPS_VPNkYUmSohKmii6Wx5sUaAtSCEALw_wcB\">live and free of charge<\/a>.  \nRobert Targan <\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"<h2>The scenario<\/b> \n<\/h2>\nStill 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     <\/p>\n<h2>Roster<\/b><\/h2>\nWith 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.  <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Kreis-Frauen-1788852412040\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/08/vorbericht-frauen/Kreis-Frauen.jpg\"><\/p>\n<h2>Opponent<\/b><\/h2>\nAfter 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>A Special Evening<\/b><\/h2>\nFollowing 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   <\/p>\nThe 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&utm_medium=textsearch&utm_campaign=10966097416&utm_content=109063690258&utm_term=pluto+tv&utm_creative=459935485657&device=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10966097416&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_L_FBhDmARIsAItqgt7_391Sro5eSQxhjwAiKdtSDaTp6xOCPS_VPNkYUmSohKmii6Wx5sUaAtSCEALw_wcB\">live and free of charge<\/a>.  \nRobert Targan <\/i><\/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":"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-3304a94386":{"dc:description":"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. <\/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":"Updates for the match against Villarreal: Starting XI confirmed!","repo:modifyDate":"2026-09-07T17:39:00Z"}},"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/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/cl-kabine.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 17:39 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"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. <\/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>Tuesday, 8 September 2026: Matchday!<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Activation session at the BVB training ground<\/li>\n<li>4 p.m.: BVB U19 vs Villarreal U19 <\/li>\n<li>9 p.m.: BVB vs Villarreal <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n+++ Starting XI confirmed! Kovac makes a change in midfield +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe starting XI is in! Marcel Sabitzer returns to the starting line-up. There is another first, too: Joey Veerman makes his first Champions League start for BVB. Jobe Bellingham begins the game on the bench.<\/p>\nBVB\u2019s starting XI against Villarreal:<\/b> Kobel \u2013 Ryerson, Gadou, Anton, Svensson, Beier \u2013 Nmecha, Veerman, Karetsas, Sabitzer \u2013 Guirassy<\/p>\n+++ BVB in yellow, Villarreal in grey +++<\/b><\/p>\nBVB will wear their yellow home shirts with black shorts and yellow socks. Villarreal will therefore have to do without their traditional yellow and switch to a grey kit.<\/p>\n+++ Italian refereeing team +++<\/b><\/p>\nSimone Sozza will referee the match, assisted by Davide Imperiale and Giovanni Baccini. Andrea Colombo will serve as the fourth official, while Daniele Chiffi will be the video assistant referee.<\/p>\n+++ Where does the nickname \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d come from? +++<\/b><\/p>\nYellow shirts? We know all about those. Like Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal usually play in yellow shirts\u2014although not today, but more on that later. The Spanish club are known as the \u201cSubmarino Amarillo,\u201d or \u201cYellow Submarine,\u201d because of the colours they adopted in 1947. Around two decades later, during the 1967/68 season, fans brought a record player into the stadium and played the Beatles classic \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d during a match, singing along in support of their yellow-clad team. A nickname was born.<\/p>\n+++ UEFA Champions League campaign begins +++<\/b><\/p>\nMatchday 1 of the new Champions League season is here! The ball gets rolling at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK at 9 p.m. today, when BVB will be looking to collect their first points against Villarreal. <\/p>\n<h2>Monday, 7 September, 2026<\/h2>\nHere\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+++ Anton Wants to Take the First Step +++<\/b><\/p>\nAlongside 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: \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  <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Anton-PK-1788785195070\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n+++ Kovac Warns Against Villarreal +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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>\nEven 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<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_pxTc9eUw\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n+++ Roster Update +++<\/b><\/p>\nAt 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>\nFurthermore, 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>\nMeanwhile, 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<img data-assetref=\"Anton-Kovac-PK-1788785209564\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-Kovac-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n+++ Final Training Session in Brackel +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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<img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Kreis-1788772535372\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Kreis.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Training-Mannschaft-1788772543129\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Training-Mannschaft.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Training-1788773814211\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Training.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhK_XDl1Z2E\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n+++ Strong Home Record to Start the Season +++<\/b><\/p>\nWith 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! <\/p>\n+++ Villarreal? That rings a bell? +++<\/b><\/p>\n 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<img data-assetref=\"Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2-1788527105053\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n+++ Perfect weather for a Champions League evening +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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+++ Tickets still available! +++<\/b><\/p>\nWith 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&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=int_profi-tickets2627&bvb_cid=int_profi-tickets2627\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Visit the online ticket shop!<\/a><\/p>\n+++ Good morning from Dortmund +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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>Tuesday, 8 September 2026: Matchday!<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Activation session at the BVB training ground<\/li>\n<li>4 p.m.: BVB U19 vs Villarreal U19 <\/li>\n<li>9 p.m.: BVB vs Villarreal <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n+++ Starting XI confirmed! Kovac makes a change in midfield +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe starting XI is in! Marcel Sabitzer returns to the starting line-up. There is another first, too: Joey Veerman makes his first Champions League start for BVB. Jobe Bellingham begins the game on the bench.<\/p>\nBVB\u2019s starting XI against Villarreal:<\/b> Kobel \u2013 Ryerson, Gadou, Anton, Svensson, Beier \u2013 Nmecha, Veerman, Karetsas, Sabitzer \u2013 Guirassy<\/p>\n+++ BVB in yellow, Villarreal in grey +++<\/b><\/p>\nBVB will wear their yellow home shirts with black shorts and yellow socks. Villarreal will therefore have to do without their traditional yellow and switch to a grey kit.<\/p>\n+++ Italian refereeing team +++<\/b><\/p>\nSimone Sozza will referee the match, assisted by Davide Imperiale and Giovanni Baccini. Andrea Colombo will serve as the fourth official, while Daniele Chiffi will be the video assistant referee.<\/p>\n+++ Where does the nickname \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d come from? +++<\/b><\/p>\nYellow shirts? We know all about those. Like Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal usually play in yellow shirts\u2014although not today, but more on that later. The Spanish club are known as the \u201cSubmarino Amarillo,\u201d or \u201cYellow Submarine,\u201d because of the colours they adopted in 1947. Around two decades later, during the 1967/68 season, fans brought a record player into the stadium and played the Beatles classic \u201cYellow Submarine\u201d during a match, singing along in support of their yellow-clad team. A nickname was born.<\/p>\n+++ UEFA Champions League campaign begins +++<\/b><\/p>\nMatchday 1 of the new Champions League season is here! The ball gets rolling at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK at 9 p.m. today, when BVB will be looking to collect their first points against Villarreal. <\/p>\n<h2>Monday, 7 September, 2026<\/h2>\nHere\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+++ Anton Wants to Take the First Step +++<\/b><\/p>\nAlongside 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: \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  <\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Anton-PK-1788785195070\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n+++ Kovac Warns Against Villarreal +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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>\nEven 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<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V_pxTc9eUw\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n+++ Roster Update +++<\/b><\/p>\nAt 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>\nFurthermore, 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>\nMeanwhile, 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<img data-assetref=\"Anton-Kovac-PK-1788785209564\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anton-Kovac-PK.jpg\"><\/p>\n+++ Final Training Session in Brackel +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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<img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Kreis-1788772535372\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Kreis.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Training-Mannschaft-1788772543129\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Training-Mannschaft.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<img data-assetref=\"Mannschaft-Training-1788773814211\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Mannschaft-Training.jpeg\"><\/p>\n<a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhK_XDl1Z2E\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Watch the video<\/a><\/p>\n+++ Strong Home Record to Start the Season +++<\/b><\/p>\nWith 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! <\/p>\n+++ Villarreal? That rings a bell? +++<\/b><\/p>\n 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<img data-assetref=\"Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2-1788527105053\" src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/2026/09/07/ticker-villarreal/Anzeigetafel-Villarreal-2.jpg\"><\/p>\n+++ Perfect weather for a Champions League evening +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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+++ Tickets still available! +++<\/b><\/p>\nWith 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&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=int_profi-tickets2627&bvb_cid=int_profi-tickets2627\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Visit the online ticket shop!<\/a><\/p>\n+++ Good morning from Dortmund +++<\/b><\/p>\nThe 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-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":"Updates for the match against Villarreal: Starting XI confirmed!","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":"/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,"value":"1313980392","exportedType":"text/plain"},"displayOnHome":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"displayOnHome","title":"Display in News Wall on Homepage","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"url":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"url","title":"Vanity URL (LEAVE EMPTY FOR AUTOMATIC VANITY URL. 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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Departments","multiValue":true,"value":"Men","exportedType":"text/plain"},"dataLayer":{"editable-4313265134":{"dc:description":"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":"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":"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 <\/p>\nThe 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 <\/p>\nThe 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<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>\nThe Black and Yellows will also be without long-term absentees Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can for the match against Villarreal.<\/p>\nNico 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&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">the<\/a> <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">online ticket shop<\/a>. They were shown red and yellow-red cards, respectively, in the playoff second leg in Bergamo. <\/p>\nAs 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 \nMats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n<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":"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 <\/p>\nThe 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 <\/p>\nThe 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<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>\nThe Black and Yellows will also be without long-term absentees Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can for the match against Villarreal.<\/p>\nNico 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&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">the<\/a> <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=profi-tickets2627&bvb_cid=profi-tickets2627\">online ticket shop<\/a>. They were shown red and yellow-red cards, respectively, in the playoff second leg in Bergamo. <\/p>\nAs 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 \nMats-Yannick Roth<\/i><\/p>\n<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-4313265134","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"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":"/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,"value":"70122267","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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