BVB starting XI vs Freiburg: Kovac springs surprise with top talent | OneFootball

BVB starting XI vs Freiburg: Kovac springs surprise with top talent | OneFootball

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·26 April 2026

BVB starting XI vs Freiburg: Kovac springs surprise with top talent

Article image:BVB starting XI vs Freiburg: Kovac springs surprise with top talent

BVB coach Niko Kovac is relying on a surprising top talent in the starting lineup for the important home game against Freiburg. After two recent defeats, Borussia Dortmund are under pressure in this anniversary match.

Borussia Dortmund face a special game this Sunday (17:30): In the home match against SC Freiburg, BVB will play their 1000th Bundesliga game at their own stadium – and after two recent defeats, they are desperate to get back to winning ways.


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After losses to Leverkusen and Hoffenheim, the pressure on the team has increased. Qualification for the Champions League may seem within reach, but coach Niko Kovac strongly warns against too much self-confidence: “A few weeks ago, we were sitting here and people were saying: We’re safe. We’re safe in the Champions League and safely in second place. Even back then, I said it wasn’t certain like that. Every Bundesliga game is close.”

Against Freiburg, they now want to turn things around – also to calm the recently revived discussions about mentality and commitment. However, the visitors arrive full of confidence: two consecutive away wins mark their best run of the season so far.

Kovac turns to BVB talent Inacio against Freiburg

The Dortmund starting lineup is generating plenty of discussion. Samuele Inacio is in the starting XI against Freiburg – a bold move by Kovac, who is placing his trust in the youngster. As a result, Maximilian Beier will likely move over to the left side, while Daniel Svensson will start on the bench.

Article image:BVB starting XI vs Freiburg: Kovac springs surprise with top talent

Photo: IMAGO

Alongside Inacio, other talents such as Mathis Albert and Luca Reggiani will also begin the match on the sidelines. Historically, a lot points in Dortmund’s favor. BVB have won each of their last seven home games against Freiburg, scoring 24 goals in the process. Overall, they have lost just one of 17 Bundesliga home meetings since 2001 – an impressive record.

For BVB, the objective is clear: with a win in this anniversary match, they want not only to reach another milestone but also to make a statement on the pitch.

The lineups at a glance:

Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini, Sabitzer, Bellingham, Beier, Brandt, Inacio, Guirassy BVB bench: Meyer, Couto, Svensson, Mane, Reggiani, Özcan, Chukwuemeka, Silva, Albert

SC Freiburg: Atubolu, Kübler, Lienhart, Ogbus, Günter, Eggestein, Höfler, Grifo, Scherhant, Höler, Matanovic

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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