The last game of the season is coming up: Borussia Dortmund will take on Hertha BSC at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on Saturday (15:30 CET). Prior to kick-off, two long-term Black & Yellows – Michael Zorc and Marcel Schmelzer – will bid farewell to the BVB fans.

It's going to get emotional in the stadium before a ball has even been kicked: Michael Zorc will bid goodbye to BVB after 44 years as a player and sporting director, while former captain Marcel Schmelzer is set to depart after 17 years. "These goodbyes will be special. Michael Zorc has helped to shape an era. Nobody knows and understands the club better," said BVB coach Marco Rose of the sporting director, whom he has worked alongside since last summer. The farewells to players and officials – among them Erling Haaland, Axel Witsel and Roman Bürki – cannot be disregarded, "but once the game gets under way, I will be expecting a good and focused performance from everyone. First and foremost, it's a competitive game – and not an unimportant one." 

Once the action does get under way, the scenario is clear: BVB wrapped up second spot once and for all thanks to their victory in Fürth last weekend and will finish the campaign as runners-up. However, the Black & Yellows could still beat their own goal record for a Bundesliga season. They have found the net 83 times over the course of the opening 33 matchdays, one fewer than their tally of 84 from the 2019/20 campaign. 

Meanwhile, opponents Hertha BSC are still in a relegation battle. The capital club currently occupy 15th spot, with a three-point cushion over the relegation play-off place. Their fate is still in their hands and they can ensure their survival with a point.

On the personnel front, Marco Rose will not have any players returning to the Black & Yellow matchday squad. Three players – Thomas Meunier, Mo Dahoud and Mateu Morey – have returned to team training. "It's wonderful to have Mateu Morey back on the pitch. The lads applauded him for minutes following this difficult time." However, the trio are not an option for the final home game of the season.

ln the final game in front of their own fans, Rose wants to "make a statement and add three more points. We want to win our final home game." In recent weeks, he has emphasised: "The final impression is what you carry with you into the summer and the next season." A win in the game against Hertha BSC will make that final impression a positive one.
Christina Reinke

BVB TV by 1&1: The press conference before the match against Hertha BSC