Anticipation is reaching fever pitch in Dortmund as the women’s team prepares for the biggest night in its young history. On Monday evening, the Rote Erde stadium will host a spectacle as Borussia Dortmund face Bayern Munich in the first round of the DFB-Pokal—a dream tie that pits the emerging challengers against the reigning double winners. More than 10,000 fans are expected, with the final tickets flying fast in the club’s online shop.
For Svenja Schlenker, head of BVB’s women’s department, the occasion is nothing short of historic. “It’s the biggest game in our still young history,” she declared, underlining the magnitude of the clash. The Black-and-Yellows are determined not just to make up the numbers, but to give their loyal supporters a night to remember.
Coach Markus Högner knows exactly what his side is up against. With more than 20 previous meetings against Bayern in his career—and even coaching some of their current stars—he is all too aware of their quality. Yet he insists Dortmund will not simply defend. “We will certainly be able to generate counter-attacking situations. It’s about being compact, willing to run, and clinical when we get our chances,” Högner explained after an intense week of video sessions and tactical preparation.
The squad is almost at full strength, with only long-term absentees Melanie Schuster and Mia Scholle unavailable. That leaves captain Paula Reimann and her teammates ready to write their own chapter. “We will give everything to enjoy this historic game and maybe cause an upset,” she said, her words echoing the belief growing inside the camp.
The challenge, however, could not be tougher. Bayern Munich arrive as the reigning Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal champions, fresh from their most successful season ever, which saw them dethrone Wolfsburg’s decade-long cup dominance. Led by coach José Barcala, Bayern remain unbeaten this season, top of the league, and have yet to concede a goal. They also claimed the Super Cup, signaling their intent to dominate again.
Still, football thrives on stories of surprise. Dortmund proved in August’s opener against Juventus that they can rise to the occasion against top opposition. With the Rote Erde crowd behind them, the mix of nerves and excitement could become the fuel for something extraordinary.
