After making the perfect start to the UEFA Youth League – 1-0 win at Paris Saint-Germain, the BVB U19s are heading straight into a big match in the Bundesliga: On Sunday (kick-off: 11:00 CET), Borussia's U19s will play host to Borussia Mönchengladbach at the youth performance centre and are looking to build on their flawless record in the A-Junioren Bundesliga West (5 games, 5 wins).

Since Mike Tullberg has taken charge of the team, Borussia's youngsters have gone 40 Bundesliga matches without defeat. The last defeat this team suffered in the league phase dates all the way back to 9 November 2019 – a record-breaking run. "But it's not about me, it's just about development and training," said Tullberg. In Paris, his side once again took a step in the right direction: "I told the boys before the season to write their own story. They have started doing just that in the Bundesliga and in the UEFA Youth League." After the impressive performance in Paris, he highlighted the strategic process of the turning the talented youngsters into mature professionals, in addition to their passion and willingness to run: "They have implemented any tactical changes without any problems at all."

Before they return to the biggest stage in European competition at home against AC Milan on Wednesday, 4 October (kick-off: 14:00 CET ) (click here for tickets), the U19s will face tough challenges and matches that will likely shape the outcome of the league phase come the end of the season – first against Borussia Mönchengladbach, then on Saturday, 30 September (kick-off: 11:00 CET), against reigning cup winners 1. FC Cologne.

"At the end of the busy week with midweek games, we will be able to rotate personnel a little bit and bring in some fresh legs," said Tullberg, but warned against the threat the Borussia side from Lower Rhine pose: "We have to build on the performance of the second half against Bielefeld. If we are not wide-awake, concentrating and focused, we will have problems with every opponent. Especially against the strong Mönchengladbach side." German U17 European Championship winner Almugera Kabar is expected to remain out for an extended period due to a foot injury. Possible options for the starting eleven include Danylo Krevsun, Charles Herrmann and Vincenzo Onofrietti.

Gladbach come with Oliver Kirch as coach

Mönchengladbach's U19s are coached by former BVB first team player Oliver Kirch. After a somewhat stuttering start, Gladbach are sixth in the table with nine points and celebrated a 4-2 win against VfL Bochum last time out. Their top player is an exceptional talent: Swiss youngster Winsley Boteli is currently the top scorer in the A-Junioren Bundesliga West with seven goals, one ahead of Dortmund's Paris Brunner, and has already caught the eye of first team coach Gerardo Seoane. Left-back Josiah Uwakhonye is part of the German U19 national team squad.

"We know the quality of the opposition. But our goal, of course, is to defend our lead at the top of the table and to go and get a sixth victory," said Tullberg. (wiwi)