Cup Match Under the Floodlights: BVB Women Host Recklinghausen | OneFootball

The scenario

Still undefeated and having yet to concede a goal, the BVB Women are among the top three teams in the Regionalliga West after three matchdays. Regarding the comfortable 3-0 victory over DJK Wacker Mecklenbeck this past weekend, head coach Markus Högner said: “I was satisfied with our performance, but we need to take better advantage of moments when such well-organized opponents briefly lose their shape so we can play even more boldly going forward. It’s also true, however, that we faced a very motivated and in-form team. Mecklenbeck is a team that will give other clubs a run for their money as well.”

Roster

With the exception of long-term absences Dana Marquardt, Manuela Zinsberger, Yasu Wöhrn, Emilia Pauls, and Mia Scholle, all players are available for the first-round match in the Westphalia Cup. Markus Högner does not rule out changes to the starting lineup, as were made last Sunday.

Opponent

After three convincing wins, 1. FFC Recklinghausen currently sits in first place in the Regionalliga West—so a top-tier matchup awaits fans at Strobelallee on Wednesday evening in the cup. “The team has strengthened its roster exceptionally well over the summer,” said Markus Högner. “Sari Kobayashi alone, who transferred to 1. FFC from Eintracht Frankfurt’s second team, has already scored five times in this still-young season.” The coach does not consider the lopsided victories the Black and Yellows secured against their neighbors from Recklinghausen last season (6–1 and 6–0) to be a reliable benchmark: “We’re expecting a well-established Regionalliga team that has improved significantly, and not just on offense.”

A Special Evening

Following the frustrating elimination against FC Schalke 04 in November 2025, the Borussia women’s team is all the more motivated for this new run in the Westphalia Cup. Markus Högner: “Our goal must be to win this title, not least so that we can compete in the DFB Cup again next season.” The home game under the floodlights will also be a very special one for newcomer Alex Popp: She spent her youth playing for 1. FFC Recklinghausen and then another year with the women’s team. “We saw just this past Sunday that Alex wants to win every game,” said her coach. “She is and always will be a competitive player who wants to win titles—even with BVB.”