Pre-Match Report

Niko Kovac before the game against Sporting: "The first leg is the benchmark"

On Wednesday evening (19 February, 18:45 CET), BVB will host Sporting Lisbon at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK to decide who will advance to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Borussia Dortmund won the first leg in Lisbon last week with a commanding 3-0 victory. The day before the second leg, head coach Niko Kovac and midfielder Pascal Gross spoke about the match and the opposition.

"This round isn't over yet, it's only half-time," explained the BVB coach with a view to a possible place in the round of 16. As the Black & Yellows won 3-0 in Lisbon in the first leg of the play-off, a draw or even a defeat by a margin of up to two goals would be enough to see Borussia progress on Wednesday evening (the facts). However, the BVB coach does not want to get tied up in these considerations: "We are here tomorrow to win. I expect a difficult game in which we will give 100%."

Pascal Gross, scorer of the second goal in the first leg, agrees with his coach: "We had a good game in Lisbon - but we should approach tomorrow's game like a normal home game, it's 0-0." Borussia are determined to win their clash with Sporting: "I've seen bigger comebacks in the history of the Champions League, you shouldn't forget that," said the BVB midfielder, adding: "We'll go out and be ready to play a good game."

Two Black & Yellows players were also ready at the final training session on Tuesday afternoon: Carney Chukwuemeka, who has been absent recently due to knee problems, and Ramy Bensebaini, who had been suffering from a muscle strain, completed the final session with their teammates. "We're happy that both are healthy again,’" said Kovac, who wants to give both Chukwuemeka and Bensebaini minutes against Sporting “if possible. But the outlook is more towards the next few games." BVB will definitely have to do without the injured Felix Nmecha.

The visitors from Portugal, who still lead their domestic league table ahead of Benfica despite a 2-2 draw against 12th-placed Arouca at the weekend, currently have bigger injury worries. Sporting are likely to be without a number of key players on Wednesday evening. "They have a big squad and I'm sure their coach knows exactly how he will replace these players," said Niko Kovac, warning against underestimating Lisbon's squad: "It's a great opportunity for these players to show what they can do. That doesn't make it easy for us. They're fresh, they're motivated, they're full of energy."

Borussia have prevailed in each of their knockout clashes with teams from Portugal to date. In Kovac's words: "We must not take a step backwards, but forwards. We have to believe in our strengths and take tomorrow's game very seriously. We will try to give our best and hopefully reach the next round." The BVB coach is particularly positive about the performance from the first leg: "That's the benchmark, that's what the players are capable of - we're all convinced of that."

Nina Bargel-Neuhaus

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{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Department","multiValue":true,"value":"Professionals","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/2025/3/15/Dortmund-fail-to-make-chances-count-in-2-0-loss-in-Leipzig.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93M_Leipzig.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":"15.03.25 19:24 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"BVB lost 2-0 (1-0) in Leipzig on Matchday 26 of the Bundesliga season. The team failed a convert a spate of great chances in the second period, striking the woodwork on three occasions and being denied by keeper Gulacsi 10 (!) times. Leipzig's goal seemed to be living a charmed life.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"BVB lost 2-0 (1-0) in Leipzig on Matchday 26 of the Bundesliga season. The team failed a convert a spate of great chances in the second period, striking the woodwork on three occasions and being denied by keeper Gulacsi 10 (!) times. Leipzig's goal seemed to be living a charmed life.","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":"Boris Rupert reporting from Leipzig<\/i><\/p>\nBVB's attacking play was only good at the beginning and the end of the first period and they were deservedly behind at the break due to Xabi Simons' goal in the 18th minute. Openda and Baku were also denied by the woodwork. After the restart, Beier struck the crossbar and post in the space of two minutes. Openda had fired Leipzig into a 2-0 lead shortly beforehand (48). BVB were now going forward with purpose and creating chance after chance but were thwarted either by Gulacsi in the Leipzig goal or \u2013 for the third time in this match \u2013 by the woodwork (Adeyemi, 61).  <\/p>\nThe scenario:<\/b>   \nSixth versus 10th. This was the first time both teams had gone into a head-to-head clash outside the top four in the table. The side from Saxony had won only one of their last nine league games, while the Black & Yellows had only tasted victory on three occasions in that time period. Leipzig had not suffered more home defeats to any other club than they had to BVB (three up to that point).<\/p>\nPersonnel matters:  \n <\/b>Borussia had travelled without Nmecha (fitness training) and Svensson, who has a knee injury, and lined up with the same team that had won (2-1) in Lille three days earlier.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Leipzig_2.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Leipzig_2-1742063138653\"><\/p>\nTactics: <\/b> \nThe formation was also the same as in Lille. Left-back Ryerson was positioned significantly further forward than Anton on the right flank in the 4-2-3-1. Groß mostly played level with Sabitzer. Leipzig took to the pitch in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Orban man-marked Guirassy, while Xavi Simons played behind the front two but played more left of centre than in the centre itself.<\/p>\nThe match & analysis: \n <\/b>BVB initially got stuck into the challenges and linked up nicely in attack on several occasions in the opening quarter of an hour. Guirassy registered a shot from 14 metres in the ninth minute, but it was too central and Gulacsi was able to make the save \u2013 albeit with some difficulty. Brandt asserted himself in midfield two minutes later and threaded the ball through to Adeyemi, who was stopped by two Leipzig players in the box.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Leipzig.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Leipzig-1742063173926\"><\/p>\nThis was followed by a spell of pressure from the hosts, however. Dortmund had issues dealing with diagonal balls. One such pass led to Openda hitting the bar in the 14th minute. Then Xavi fed Raum on the left flank. Kobel managed to parry his shot away but the rebound landed at the feet of Xavi, who struck the ball from the penalty spot and opened the scoring at 1-0 (18).<\/p>\nSabitzer had to come off the pitch with a knee injury on the half-hour mark. Bensebaini slotted into the left-back position, while Ryerson shifted over to the right \u2013 still postioned in front of Anton. Shortly afterwards, Baku hit the crossbar (35). It was only towards the end of the first period that BVB came back into the game more, getting into the opposition half more frequently and almost restoring parity at 1-1. But Adeyemi, who was played in by Schlotterbeck, was denied by a strong save from Gulacsi (45+2).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Leipzig_3.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Leipzig_3-1742063182431\"><\/p>\nThe start to the second period was also promising. Beier went through on the right following a throw-in by Ryerson but could not find a team-mate in the box. Adeyemi's run had been tracked. A short while later Adeyemi crossed from the left to Guirassy, whose header missed the target (47). Leipzig won a corner at the other end and Simons delivered it towards the back post, where Openda met the ball with a volley into the top left corner to make it 2-0 (48). But BVB responded immediately. Beier literally hung in the air to reach Ryerson's cross but headed the ball against the bar (50). Two minutes later, Beier came close to scoring from a centre-left position in the box following build-up work from Schlotterbeck and Guirassy, but his effort rebounded off the outside of the post. Adeyemi then had an unobstructed view of goal from 14 metres but fired the ball well over the bar.<\/p>\nBorussia Dortmund dominated the game at will in this period, winning the second balls and pushing to get a goal back, only to miss further great chances. After Brandt had won the ball, Adeyemi played it through to Guirassy, who found himself clean through on Gulacsi only to be denied by a sensational save from Leipzig's keeper (62). Two minutes later, Gulacsi turned a shot from Adeyemi onto the crossbar and then followed that up with another fine save from Ryerson (65). BVB could not make their chances count. An unchallenged Groß fired the ball over the goal from eight metres out after strong build-up play from Beier and Guirassy (76). Schlotterbeck went agonisingly close after a corner (79). The shot count was now 20-14 in favour of BVB, who had trailed Leipzig 12-5 in this metric after 45 minutes. Chukwuemeka and Beier were again kept out by Gulacsi (90+4).<\/p>\nOutlook:  \n <\/b>A total of 14 players are now expected to link up with their national teams and will only return in the week prior to the next Bundesliga match. BVB will be up against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on 30 March (Sunday at 17:30 CET).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Grafik.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Grafik-1742063092104\"><\/p>\n<h2>Teams & goals<\/h2>\nBundesliga Matchday 26 \n Saturday 15 March 2025, 18:30 CET \n LEIPZIG 2-0 (1-0) BORUSSIA DORTMUND<\/b><\/p>\nLeipzig:<\/b> Gulacsi \u2013 Geertruida, Orban, Bitshiabu \u2013 Baku, Seiwald (Haidara, 81), Baumgartner (Kampl, 61), Raum (Lukeba, 81) \u2013 Xavi Simons (Gomis, 81) \u2013 Openda (Klostermann, 66), Sesko \nBor. Dortmund: <\/b>Kobel \u2013 Anton, Can, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson (Chukwuemeka, 72) \u2013 Sabitzer (Bensebaini, 33), Groß \u2013 Adeyemi (Gittens, 72), Brandt, Beier \u2013 Guirassy \nSubstitutes:<\/b> Vandevoordt, Nedeljkovic, Schlager, Vermeeren \u2013 Meyer, Couto, Özcan, Reyna, Duranville, Süle \n Goals:<\/b> 1-0 Simons (Sesko, 18), 2-0 Openda (Simons, 48) \nCorners:<\/b> 4-12 (1-2 at half-time), chance ratio:<\/b> 7-13 (4-2) \nReferee:<\/b> Jöllenbeck (Freiburg), yellow cards:<\/b> Raum, Haidara, Lukeba \u2013 Can, Ryerson, Chukwuemeka \nAttendance:<\/b> 47,800 (sold-out), weather:<\/b> dry, 5 degrees<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Boris Rupert reporting from Leipzig<\/i><\/p>\nBVB's attacking play was only good at the beginning and the end of the first period and they were deservedly behind at the break due to Xabi Simons' goal in the 18th minute. Openda and Baku were also denied by the woodwork. After the restart, Beier struck the crossbar and post in the space of two minutes. Openda had fired Leipzig into a 2-0 lead shortly beforehand (48). BVB were now going forward with purpose and creating chance after chance but were thwarted either by Gulacsi in the Leipzig goal or \u2013 for the third time in this match \u2013 by the woodwork (Adeyemi, 61).  <\/p>\nThe scenario:<\/b>   \nSixth versus 10th. This was the first time both teams had gone into a head-to-head clash outside the top four in the table. The side from Saxony had won only one of their last nine league games, while the Black & Yellows had only tasted victory on three occasions in that time period. Leipzig had not suffered more home defeats to any other club than they had to BVB (three up to that point).<\/p>\nPersonnel matters:  \n <\/b>Borussia had travelled without Nmecha (fitness training) and Svensson, who has a knee injury, and lined up with the same team that had won (2-1) in Lille three days earlier.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Leipzig_2.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Leipzig_2-1742063138653\"><\/p>\nTactics: <\/b> \nThe formation was also the same as in Lille. Left-back Ryerson was positioned significantly further forward than Anton on the right flank in the 4-2-3-1. Groß mostly played level with Sabitzer. Leipzig took to the pitch in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Orban man-marked Guirassy, while Xavi Simons played behind the front two but played more left of centre than in the centre itself.<\/p>\nThe match & analysis: \n <\/b>BVB initially got stuck into the challenges and linked up nicely in attack on several occasions in the opening quarter of an hour. Guirassy registered a shot from 14 metres in the ninth minute, but it was too central and Gulacsi was able to make the save \u2013 albeit with some difficulty. Brandt asserted himself in midfield two minutes later and threaded the ball through to Adeyemi, who was stopped by two Leipzig players in the box.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Leipzig.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Leipzig-1742063173926\"><\/p>\nThis was followed by a spell of pressure from the hosts, however. Dortmund had issues dealing with diagonal balls. One such pass led to Openda hitting the bar in the 14th minute. Then Xavi fed Raum on the left flank. Kobel managed to parry his shot away but the rebound landed at the feet of Xavi, who struck the ball from the penalty spot and opened the scoring at 1-0 (18).<\/p>\nSabitzer had to come off the pitch with a knee injury on the half-hour mark. Bensebaini slotted into the left-back position, while Ryerson shifted over to the right \u2013 still postioned in front of Anton. Shortly afterwards, Baku hit the crossbar (35). It was only towards the end of the first period that BVB came back into the game more, getting into the opposition half more frequently and almost restoring parity at 1-1. But Adeyemi, who was played in by Schlotterbeck, was denied by a strong save from Gulacsi (45+2).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Leipzig_3.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Leipzig_3-1742063182431\"><\/p>\nThe start to the second period was also promising. Beier went through on the right following a throw-in by Ryerson but could not find a team-mate in the box. Adeyemi's run had been tracked. A short while later Adeyemi crossed from the left to Guirassy, whose header missed the target (47). Leipzig won a corner at the other end and Simons delivered it towards the back post, where Openda met the ball with a volley into the top left corner to make it 2-0 (48). But BVB responded immediately. Beier literally hung in the air to reach Ryerson's cross but headed the ball against the bar (50). Two minutes later, Beier came close to scoring from a centre-left position in the box following build-up work from Schlotterbeck and Guirassy, but his effort rebounded off the outside of the post. Adeyemi then had an unobstructed view of goal from 14 metres but fired the ball well over the bar.<\/p>\nBorussia Dortmund dominated the game at will in this period, winning the second balls and pushing to get a goal back, only to miss further great chances. After Brandt had won the ball, Adeyemi played it through to Guirassy, who found himself clean through on Gulacsi only to be denied by a sensational save from Leipzig's keeper (62). Two minutes later, Gulacsi turned a shot from Adeyemi onto the crossbar and then followed that up with another fine save from Ryerson (65). BVB could not make their chances count. An unchallenged Groß fired the ball over the goal from eight metres out after strong build-up play from Beier and Guirassy (76). Schlotterbeck went agonisingly close after a corner (79). The shot count was now 20-14 in favour of BVB, who had trailed Leipzig 12-5 in this metric after 45 minutes. Chukwuemeka and Beier were again kept out by Gulacsi (90+4).<\/p>\nOutlook:  \n <\/b>A total of 14 players are now expected to link up with their national teams and will only return in the week prior to the next Bundesliga match. BVB will be up against 1. FSV Mainz 05 on 30 March (Sunday at 17:30 CET).<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/profis/2025/03/15/bl-spielbericht/93_Grafik.jpg\" data-assetref=\"93_Grafik-1742063092104\"><\/p>\n<h2>Teams & goals<\/h2>\nBundesliga Matchday 26 \n Saturday 15 March 2025, 18:30 CET \n LEIPZIG 2-0 (1-0) BORUSSIA DORTMUND<\/b><\/p>\nLeipzig:<\/b> Gulacsi \u2013 Geertruida, Orban, Bitshiabu \u2013 Baku, Seiwald (Haidara, 81), Baumgartner (Kampl, 61), Raum (Lukeba, 81) \u2013 Xavi Simons (Gomis, 81) \u2013 Openda (Klostermann, 66), Sesko \nBor. Dortmund: <\/b>Kobel \u2013 Anton, Can, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson (Chukwuemeka, 72) \u2013 Sabitzer (Bensebaini, 33), Groß \u2013 Adeyemi (Gittens, 72), Brandt, Beier \u2013 Guirassy \nSubstitutes:<\/b> Vandevoordt, Nedeljkovic, Schlager, Vermeeren \u2013 Meyer, Couto, Özcan, Reyna, Duranville, Süle \n Goals:<\/b> 1-0 Simons (Sesko, 18), 2-0 Openda (Simons, 48) \nCorners:<\/b> 4-12 (1-2 at half-time), chance ratio:<\/b> 7-13 (4-2) \nReferee:<\/b> Jöllenbeck (Freiburg), yellow cards:<\/b> Raum, Haidara, Lukeba \u2013 Can, Ryerson, Chukwuemeka \nAttendance:<\/b> 47,800 (sold-out), weather:<\/b> dry, 5 degrees<\/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":"Dortmund fail to make chances count in 2-0 loss in Leipzig","exportedType":"text/plain"},"matchId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"matchId","title":"match id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"data-layer":"{\"editable-4e754267a6\":{\"@type\":\"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable\",\"linkUrl\":\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2025/3/15/Dortmund-fail-to-make-chances-count-in-2-0-loss-in-Leipzig.html\"}}","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"},"alt":"93M_Leipzig.jpg","externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-297834702","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":"Department","multiValue":true,"value":"Under 23","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/2025/3/16/Waetjen-rescues-a-point-for-U23s-against-Viktoria-Koeln.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/15/spielbericht-u23-k-ln/U23-Waetjen.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":"15.03.25 15:30 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Borussia Dortmund's U23s fought their way to a 1-1 draw at home against Viktoria Köln. In a match with few chances, BVB fell behind shortly after the break, but Kjell Wätjen scored the equaliser for a Black & Yellow side who never gave up. Right-back Patrick Göbel made his 300th appearance in the 3. Liga.<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Borussia Dortmund's U23s fought their way to a 1-1 draw at home against Viktoria Köln. In a match with few chances, BVB fell behind shortly after the break, but Kjell Wätjen scored the equaliser for a Black & Yellow side who never gave up. Right-back Patrick Göbel made his 300th appearance in the 3. Liga.","exportedType":"text/html"},"scheduledPush":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"scheduledPush","title":"Scheduled Push Notification?","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"disableAdsOnNewsPage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"disableAdsOnNewsPage","title":"Disable Ads on News Page","multiValue":false,"value":false,"exportedType":"boolean"},"text":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"text","html":"The scenario: <\/b>The U23s started Matchday 29 of the 3. Liga season in 14th place in the table. Although they drew at leaders Dynamo Dresden during the week, the Black & Yellows had only won one of their last eight games. One reason for this is the fact that BVB had not scored a goal in their last 270 minutes of football. Sixth-placed Viktoria Köln won 1-0 against Rot-Weiss Essen on Wednesday evening. \n<\/p>\nPersonnel matters:<\/b> BVB coach Jan Zimmermann, who was again without a number of players, made three changes to his starting XI at the end of the English week: Almugera Kabar came into the team to replace Patrick Göbel. The 18-year-old played in his usual left-back position. Ben Hüning lined up on the right side of the back four. Kjell Wätjen and Jordi Paulina also came in for Tony Reitz and Paul-Philipp Besong.<\/p>\nThe match: <\/b>The Black & Yellows endeavoured to control the game and the ball in the first few minutes, but lacked penetration in attack. The only time the home side came close to goal was with a tame header from Hüning in the seventh minute.<\/p>\nThe visitors from Cologne didn't shy away from the challenge. Driven on by the eye-catching talent of Malek El Mala, the visitors repeatedly tried to switch the play quickly after winning the ball. However, because the BVB defence and goalkeeper Silas Ostrzinski were attentive to the danger, these transitional moments were largely dealt with before they could become truly dangerous. As a result, the game unfolded into something of a midfield battle. \n<\/p>\nIn the 23rd minute, BVB coach Zimmermann loudly demanded "more pressure" from his team. Dortmund continued to fight hard, but were still not able to put the visitors under the cosh. The passes and crosses in the final third were too imprecise to cause the Cologne side's defence any problems.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/15/spielbericht-u23-k-ln/Foti-U23.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Foti-U23-1742054372905\"><\/p>\nZimmermann brought on two fresh pairs of legs for the second half in Babis Drakas and Patrick Göbel, who was making his 300th appearance in the 3. Liga. However, BVB immediately found themselves a goal down in front of the crowd of 1,406 spectators when Viktoria took the lead with their first real shot on goal of the match. Attacker Lex-Tyger Lobinger played a one-two with Lopes Cabral and then fired home from around 17 metres to make it 1-0.<\/p>\nThe goal had not necessarily been coming, but now BVB found themselves under pressure. But the home side responded well, looking to attack and get back level. That said, they still struggled to pose a real threat, with their best effort being a first-time shot from Drakas which whizzed wide of the left post (59).<\/p>\nHowever, the Black & Yellows refused to give up - and were soon rewarded. A misplaced pass in Viktoria's build-up play was pounced upon by BVB: Franz Roggow played the ball to Kjell Wätjen in the penalty area, who fired the ball into the left corner of the net (80). The goal drought had been broken. Shortly before, Viktoria midfielder Robin Velasco, who had already been substituted off, was shown a red card on the bench.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/15/spielbericht-u23-k-ln/U23-Jubel.jpg\" data-assetref=\"U23-Jubel-1742054360395\"><\/p>\nThe game was very tense in the closing stages. Hüning had the best opportunity to score the winner for BVB, but his header flew over the bar (85). Down the other end, Ostrzinski made a strong save in the final minute.<\/p>\nCoach Jan Zimmermann:<\/b> "This point is very valuable for my young team, even though we had a very sloppy game. But at least we didn't let going behind throw us and we came back. And we did that against one of the strongest teams in the league. I hope this point gives us a bit of energy."<\/p>\nOutlook:<\/b> After the international break, the U23s will pick things up with an away match. On Saturday, 29 March, the Black & Yellows travel to face Waldhof Mannheim. Kick-off at the Carl-Benz Stadium is at 14:00 CET.<\/p>\nGoals:<\/b> 0-1 Lobinger (51), 1-1 Wätjen (80)<\/p>\nRed card:<\/b> Velasco (79.)<\/p>\nU23s:<\/b> Ostrzinski \u2013 Kabar (46, Göbel), Lelle, Lührs, Hüning \u2013 Roggow, Wätjen (90+1 Cerny), Eberwein \u2013 Foti (57, Diallo), Elongo-Yombo (57, Reitz), Paulina (46, Drakas) \nPhillip Oldenburg<\/i><\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The scenario: <\/b>The U23s started Matchday 29 of the 3. Liga season in 14th place in the table. Although they drew at leaders Dynamo Dresden during the week, the Black & Yellows had only won one of their last eight games. One reason for this is the fact that BVB had not scored a goal in their last 270 minutes of football. Sixth-placed Viktoria Köln won 1-0 against Rot-Weiss Essen on Wednesday evening. \n<\/p>\nPersonnel matters:<\/b> BVB coach Jan Zimmermann, who was again without a number of players, made three changes to his starting XI at the end of the English week: Almugera Kabar came into the team to replace Patrick Göbel. The 18-year-old played in his usual left-back position. Ben Hüning lined up on the right side of the back four. Kjell Wätjen and Jordi Paulina also came in for Tony Reitz and Paul-Philipp Besong.<\/p>\nThe match: <\/b>The Black & Yellows endeavoured to control the game and the ball in the first few minutes, but lacked penetration in attack. The only time the home side came close to goal was with a tame header from Hüning in the seventh minute.<\/p>\nThe visitors from Cologne didn't shy away from the challenge. Driven on by the eye-catching talent of Malek El Mala, the visitors repeatedly tried to switch the play quickly after winning the ball. However, because the BVB defence and goalkeeper Silas Ostrzinski were attentive to the danger, these transitional moments were largely dealt with before they could become truly dangerous. As a result, the game unfolded into something of a midfield battle. \n<\/p>\nIn the 23rd minute, BVB coach Zimmermann loudly demanded "more pressure" from his team. Dortmund continued to fight hard, but were still not able to put the visitors under the cosh. The passes and crosses in the final third were too imprecise to cause the Cologne side's defence any problems.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/15/spielbericht-u23-k-ln/Foti-U23.jpg\" data-assetref=\"Foti-U23-1742054372905\"><\/p>\nZimmermann brought on two fresh pairs of legs for the second half in Babis Drakas and Patrick Göbel, who was making his 300th appearance in the 3. Liga. However, BVB immediately found themselves a goal down in front of the crowd of 1,406 spectators when Viktoria took the lead with their first real shot on goal of the match. Attacker Lex-Tyger Lobinger played a one-two with Lopes Cabral and then fired home from around 17 metres to make it 1-0.<\/p>\nThe goal had not necessarily been coming, but now BVB found themselves under pressure. But the home side responded well, looking to attack and get back level. That said, they still struggled to pose a real threat, with their best effort being a first-time shot from Drakas which whizzed wide of the left post (59).<\/p>\nHowever, the Black & Yellows refused to give up - and were soon rewarded. A misplaced pass in Viktoria's build-up play was pounced upon by BVB: Franz Roggow played the ball to Kjell Wätjen in the penalty area, who fired the ball into the left corner of the net (80). The goal drought had been broken. Shortly before, Viktoria midfielder Robin Velasco, who had already been substituted off, was shown a red card on the bench.<\/p>\n<img src=\"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/15/spielbericht-u23-k-ln/U23-Jubel.jpg\" data-assetref=\"U23-Jubel-1742054360395\"><\/p>\nThe game was very tense in the closing stages. Hüning had the best opportunity to score the winner for BVB, but his header flew over the bar (85). Down the other end, Ostrzinski made a strong save in the final minute.<\/p>\nCoach Jan Zimmermann:<\/b> "This point is very valuable for my young team, even though we had a very sloppy game. But at least we didn't let going behind throw us and we came back. And we did that against one of the strongest teams in the league. I hope this point gives us a bit of energy."<\/p>\nOutlook:<\/b> After the international break, the U23s will pick things up with an away match. On Saturday, 29 March, the Black & Yellows travel to face Waldhof Mannheim. Kick-off at the Carl-Benz Stadium is at 14:00 CET.<\/p>\nGoals:<\/b> 0-1 Lobinger (51), 1-1 Wätjen (80)<\/p>\nRed card:<\/b> Velasco (79.)<\/p>\nU23s:<\/b> Ostrzinski \u2013 Kabar (46, Göbel), Lelle, Lührs, Hüning \u2013 Roggow, Wätjen (90+1 Cerny), Eberwein \u2013 Foti (57, Diallo), Elongo-Yombo (57, Reitz), Paulina (46, Drakas) \nPhillip Oldenburg<\/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":"Wätjen rescues a point for U23s against Viktoria Köln","exportedType":"text/plain"},"matchId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"matchId","title":"match id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"data-layer":"{\"editable-6a9c13e012\":{\"@type\":\"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable\",\"linkUrl\":\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2025/3/16/Waetjen-rescues-a-point-for-U23s-against-Viktoria-Koeln.html\"}}","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/u23/2024_2025/3-liga/29---borussia-dortmund-u23---fc-viktoria-k-ln<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/u23/2024_2025/3-liga/29---borussia-dortmund-u23---fc-viktoria-k-ln","exportedType":"text/plain"},"alt":"U23-Waetjen.jpg","externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"227741500","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":"2025/3/16/Waetjen-rescues-a-point-for-U23s-against-Viktoria-Koeln","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"},"internalEzId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"internalEzId","title":"Internal ez id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/report"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/15/spielbericht-u23-k-ln/A-U23-Waetjen.jpg"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

Samstag, 15.03.2025
Saison 24/25
3.Liga
29. Spieltag
Borussia Dortmund U23 - Viktoria Köln

Copyright:
Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA
Rheinlanddamm 207-209
44137 Dortmund

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Department","multiValue":true,"value":"Tickets","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/2025/3/14/Tickets-for-the-home-game-against-Barcelona-pre-sale-to-members-to-start-on-Tuesday.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/saisonbilder/2024-25/Ticket-News.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":"14.03.25 13:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"Tickets for the home leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona (15/04 at 21:00 CET) will go on advance sale at 12:00 CET on Tuesday 18/03. Club members can purchase up to two tickets via the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/profis/channel/shop/index/?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=profi-tickets2425&bvb_cid=profi-tickets2425\">BVB Ticket Shop<\/a>. There will be a top match surcharge of 20% on seated tickets for the quarter-final clash with Barcelona (with the exception of category 6). \n<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Tickets for the home leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Barcelona (15/04 at 21:00 CET) will go on advance sale at 12:00 CET on Tuesday 18/03. Club members can purchase up to two tickets via the BVB Ticket Shop. There will be a top match surcharge of 20% on seated tickets for the quarter-final clash with Barcelona (with the exception of category 6).","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":"Information for season ticket holders:<\/b> \n<\/p>\nAs a small thank-you for your support this season, all season ticket holders with the international/maximum option will not have to pay the top match surcharge for this Champions League quarter-final clash.<\/p>\nPlastic season ticket holders with the 'international' and 'maximum' packages will automatically receive the ticket loaded onto their season ticket once again. Digital season ticket holders can access their digital match ticket in the 'My Account' section of the Ticket Shop in the week before the match at the latest.<\/p>\nSeason ticket holders will also be debited by SEPA direct debit on Friday (21/03).<\/p>\nImportant note on ticket purchases and warning regarding invalid tickets:<\/b><\/p>\nIn light of current events, BVB would like to expressly point out that valid tickets can only be purchased via the BVB Ticket Shop and the official Secondary Ticket Market.<\/p>\nWe would like to explicitly warn against ticket purchases on all other Internet portals. Please do NOT buy your tickets on platforms such as Viagogo, StubHub, Ticketbande, Voetbalticketshop, eBay or classified ads.<\/p>\nThese providers are not authorised by us and are not provided with tickets by us. In many cases, the tickets are invalid and do not permit entrance to SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on game day.<\/p>\nA resale on unauthorised Internet portals represents a breach of our General Terms & Conditions. It goes without saying that we will do everything in our power to prevent this. Ticket checks will also be carried out again at the home game against Barcelona and consistent action will be taken against cases of misuse. \n<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Information for season ticket holders:<\/b> \n<\/p>\nAs a small thank-you for your support this season, all season ticket holders with the international/maximum option will not have to pay the top match surcharge for this Champions League quarter-final clash.<\/p>\nPlastic season ticket holders with the 'international' and 'maximum' packages will automatically receive the ticket loaded onto their season ticket once again. Digital season ticket holders can access their digital match ticket in the 'My Account' section of the Ticket Shop in the week before the match at the latest.<\/p>\nSeason ticket holders will also be debited by SEPA direct debit on Friday (21/03).<\/p>\nImportant note on ticket purchases and warning regarding invalid tickets:<\/b><\/p>\nIn light of current events, BVB would like to expressly point out that valid tickets can only be purchased via the BVB Ticket Shop and the official Secondary Ticket Market.<\/p>\nWe would like to explicitly warn against ticket purchases on all other Internet portals. Please do NOT buy your tickets on platforms such as Viagogo, StubHub, Ticketbande, Voetbalticketshop, eBay or classified ads.<\/p>\nThese providers are not authorised by us and are not provided with tickets by us. In many cases, the tickets are invalid and do not permit entrance to SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on game day.<\/p>\nA resale on unauthorised Internet portals represents a breach of our General Terms & Conditions. It goes without saying that we will do everything in our power to prevent this. Ticket checks will also be carried out again at the home game against Barcelona and consistent action will be taken against cases of misuse. \n<\/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":"Tickets for the home game against Barcelona \u2013 pre-sale to members to start on Tuesday","exportedType":"text/plain"},"matchId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"matchId","title":"match id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"data-layer":"{\"editable-3304a94386\":{\"@type\":\"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable\",\"linkUrl\":\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2025/3/14/Tickets-for-the-home-game-against-Barcelona-pre-sale-to-members-to-start-on-Tuesday.html\"}}","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"},"alt":"Ticket-News.jpg","externalId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"externalId","title":"External ID (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":"-255872341","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":"2025/3/14/Tickets-for-the-home-game-against-Barcelona-pre-sale-to-members-to-start-on-Tuesday","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"},"internalEzId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"internalEzId","title":"Internal ez id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"mainCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"mainCategory","title":"News Type","multiValue":true,"value":["bvbweb:news/category/other"],"exportedType":"text/plain"},"appExportSuccess":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"appExportSuccess","title":"App Export Successful (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"temporaryAppImage":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"temporaryAppImage","title":"App Image","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/saisonbilder/2024-25/A-Ticket-News.png"],"exportedType":"text/plain"}}

22/23, Bundesliga, Bundesligasaison
Samstag, 08.04.2023, 1. Bundesliga Saison 22/23 - 27. Spieltag in Dortmund, Borussia Dortmund - 1. FC Union Berlin - ..Emre Can (BVB)..Copyright:.Borussia Dortmund GmbH & Co. KGaA.Rheinlanddamm 207-209.44137 Dortmund..(NO IPTC-stripping allowed).EDITORIAL USE ONLY

{"subCategory":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"subCategory","title":"Department","multiValue":true,"value":"Under 23","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/2025/3/14/U23s-looking-to-carry-momentum-into-Viktoria-Koeln-clash.html","stageImages":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"stageImages","title":"Image (Stage Image)","multiValue":true,"value":["/content/dam/bvbweb/en/news/u23/2025/03/14/vorschau-u23/Zimmermann.png"],"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":"14.03.25 12:00 Z","exportedType":"calendar"},"teaserText":{"multiLine":true,"dataType":"string","name":"teaserText","html":"The Borussia Dortmund U23s pulled off a surprise on Wednesday evening by drawing 0-0 away to third-division leaders Dynamo Dresden. The Black & Yellows will be looking to carry this momentum into their upcoming home game against Viktoria Köln (15 March). Kick-off at Stadion Rote Erde is at 14:00 CET on Saturday afternoon. \n<\/p>\n","title":"Teaser Text","multiValue":false,"value":"The Borussia Dortmund U23s pulled off a surprise on Wednesday evening by drawing 0-0 away to third-division leaders Dynamo Dresden. The Black & Yellows will be looking to carry this momentum into their upcoming home game against Viktoria Köln (15 March). Kick-off at Stadion Rote Erde is at 14:00 CET on Saturday afternoon.","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":"Head-to-head record:<\/b> Borussia won the reverse fixture in Cologne in mid-October by a 5-3 scoreline, with five different players scoring for the Black & Yellows: Franz Roggow, Antonio Foti, Ayman Azhil, Michael Eberwein and Babis Drakas. The Borussia Dortmund U23s have an almost even head-to-head record against Köln: BVB have won five times and Viktoria six, while there have been four draws.<\/p>\nNews from the U23 camp:<\/b> On the personnel front, coach Jan Zimmermann is not expecting any major changes compared to the game against Dresden, where he was without several players. Niklas Jessen is the only one who could realistically return. "On Wednesday, I was missing almost an entire team that could be put on the pitch elsewhere and would have the quality for the third division. But the lads handled it really well. That's the reason why I like this team so much. It's a good squad with good characters," said Zimmermann. The draw against Dresden on Wednesday was important for the relegation battle the Black & Yellow U23s find themselves in: after 28 rounds of matches, BVB are 14th in the table with a two-point cushion over 17th-placed SV Sandhausen. After the upcoming international break, there will be nine rounds of the season remaining.<\/p>\nStats and facts on the opposition:<\/b> Following two successive defeats, Viktoria Köln returned to winning ways by beating RW Essen 1-0 on home turf on Wednesday evening, with 1. FC Köln loan player Malek El Mala scoring the winner in the 83rd minute. That means Viktoria remain on the fringes of the promotion race: they currently have 43 points on the board and are six adrift of the promotion play-off place. Köln have scored 44 goals this season, 25 of which have come from their attacking duo of Serhat Güler and Lex Lobinger. "Köln are very versatile on the ball and play with great focus. But the result on Wednesday has given us new energy \u2013 we want to show that on the pitch in this home game," said BVB coach Jan Zimmermann.<\/p>\nStadion Rote Erde will open its gates at 12.30 CET. Seated and standing tickets can be purchased via the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/u23/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=u23-tickets2425&bvb_cid=u23-tickets2425\">Online Ticket Shop<\/a>. <a href=\"https://www.magentasport.de/event/borussia-dortmund-ii-fc-viktoria-koeln/9960495\">MagentaSport<\/a> will broadcast live. \n<\/p>\n","title":"Text","multiValue":false,"value":"Head-to-head record:<\/b> Borussia won the reverse fixture in Cologne in mid-October by a 5-3 scoreline, with five different players scoring for the Black & Yellows: Franz Roggow, Antonio Foti, Ayman Azhil, Michael Eberwein and Babis Drakas. The Borussia Dortmund U23s have an almost even head-to-head record against Köln: BVB have won five times and Viktoria six, while there have been four draws.<\/p>\nNews from the U23 camp:<\/b> On the personnel front, coach Jan Zimmermann is not expecting any major changes compared to the game against Dresden, where he was without several players. Niklas Jessen is the only one who could realistically return. "On Wednesday, I was missing almost an entire team that could be put on the pitch elsewhere and would have the quality for the third division. But the lads handled it really well. That's the reason why I like this team so much. It's a good squad with good characters," said Zimmermann. The draw against Dresden on Wednesday was important for the relegation battle the Black & Yellow U23s find themselves in: after 28 rounds of matches, BVB are 14th in the table with a two-point cushion over 17th-placed SV Sandhausen. After the upcoming international break, there will be nine rounds of the season remaining.<\/p>\nStats and facts on the opposition:<\/b> Following two successive defeats, Viktoria Köln returned to winning ways by beating RW Essen 1-0 on home turf on Wednesday evening, with 1. FC Köln loan player Malek El Mala scoring the winner in the 83rd minute. That means Viktoria remain on the fringes of the promotion race: they currently have 43 points on the board and are six adrift of the promotion play-off place. Köln have scored 44 goals this season, 25 of which have come from their attacking duo of Serhat Güler and Lex Lobinger. "Köln are very versatile on the ball and play with great focus. But the result on Wednesday has given us new energy \u2013 we want to show that on the pitch in this home game," said BVB coach Jan Zimmermann.<\/p>\nStadion Rote Erde will open its gates at 12.30 CET. Seated and standing tickets can be purchased via the <a href=\"https://www.ticket-onlineshop.com/ols/bvb/de/u23/channel/shop/index?utm_source=bvbde&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=u23-tickets2425&bvb_cid=u23-tickets2425\">Online Ticket Shop<\/a>. <a href=\"https://www.magentasport.de/event/borussia-dortmund-ii-fc-viktoria-koeln/9960495\">MagentaSport<\/a> will broadcast live. \n<\/p>\n","exportedType":"text/html"},"id":"editable-4313265134","prio":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"boolean","name":"prio","title":"Prio (Clubplatform)","multiValue":false,"value":true,"exportedType":"boolean"},"headline":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"headline","title":"Headline","multiValue":false,"value":"U23s looking to carry momentum into Viktoria Köln clash","exportedType":"text/plain"},"matchId":{"multiLine":false,"dataType":"string","name":"matchId","title":"match id","multiValue":false,"exportedType":"text/plain"},"data-layer":"{\"editable-4313265134\":{\"@type\":\"/apps/bvbweb/components/newssliderelements/editable\",\"linkUrl\":\"https://www.bvb.de/de/en/news/news-overview/news.html/2025/3/14/U23s-looking-to-carry-momentum-into-Viktoria-Koeln-clash.html\"}}","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/u23/2024_2025/3-liga/29---borussia-dortmund-u23---fc-viktoria-k-ln<\/p>","title":"Related Match","multiValue":false,"value":"/content/dam/bvbweb/en/matches/football/u23/2024_2025/3-liga/29---borussia-dortmund-u23---fc-viktoria-k-ln","exportedType":"text/plain"},"alt":"Zimmermann.png","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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