Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen: Bundesliga leaders welcome tricky visitors to Signal Iduna Park
Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen kick off the fifth round of the German Bundesliga on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 20:30 local time. The match will take place at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, where the hosts are defending their position at the top of the table after four consecutive league victories. Werder arrive in eighth place, enjoying a good run of results following a disappointing start to the season and boasting a striker who knows the Dortmund stadium extremely well.
The match brings together two teams with different ambitions. Borussia Dortmund want to extend their winning streak and maintain their advantage over FC Bayern München, while Werder Bremen are looking for a result that would confirm their progress under coach Daniel Thioune. Particular attention will be paid to the return of Niclas Füllkrug to the stadium where he previously wore the Borussia shirt, now as the visiting team's main striker.
Friday evening, the floodlights and almost 25,000 supporters on the south stand provide this match with its unmistakable Dortmund atmosphere. Spectators wishing to experience the encounter live should secure their tickets in good time and plan their journey in advance, particularly because of the large crowds gathering around the stadium before kick-off.
League standings: Borussia Dortmund defend first place
After four rounds, Borussia Dortmund occupy first place with a maximum of 12 points, having scored nine goals and conceded just two. FC Bayern München and SC Freiburg follow with ten points each. Coach Niko Kovač's team are the only side to have won all four of their opening league matches, giving them the opportunity to extend their perfect start to the season against Werder.
Borussia have not enjoyed such a start since the 2015/2016 season, when the team also won their first four league matches. Their return to the top is particularly noteworthy because Dortmund had not occupied first place after a completed league round since May 2023. The encounter with Bremen is therefore not only an opportunity to collect more points but also a test of whether the team can continue performing at the level required to challenge for the title.
Werder Bremen enter the fifth round with eight goals scored, eight conceded and seven points collected. They sit in eighth place but are level on points with several clubs in the upper half of the table. A victory in Dortmund would take them to ten points after five rounds, representing Werder's best start of this kind since the 2018/2019 season.
It is particularly important for the visitors that they managed to stabilise their results after a heavy defeat in the opening round. Two victories and one draw in their next three league appearances demonstrate that the team can collect points even against strong opponents. Borussia nevertheless represent their toughest challenge so far, as they possess the league's best defence in terms of goals conceded.
Team form ahead of the head-to-head encounter
Borussia Dortmund began their league campaign with a victory over Hamburger SV, then defeated TSG Hoffenheim away from home, SC Paderborn 07 in front of their own supporters and VfB Stuttgart on the road. They conceded only two goals in four matches, both against Hoffenheim.
Borussia Dortmund's results in the opening four league rounds:
- Borussia Dortmund - Hamburger SV 2:0, victory in the season opener.
- TSG Hoffenheim - Borussia Dortmund 2:3, valuable away victory.
- Borussia Dortmund - SC Paderborn 07 3:0, convincing performance in front of the home supporters.
- VfB Stuttgart - Borussia Dortmund 0:1, victory thanks to a goal from Maximilian Beier.
The most recent result is particularly significant. Dortmund defeated Stuttgart through a goal from Maximilian Beier in the 70th minute, assisted by Jobe Bellingham. It was a match in which the home side increased the pressure after conceding, but Borussia held on to their lead and entered the international break as league leaders.
Werder's path has been different. They opened the season with a 4:1 defeat away to SC Freiburg but immediately followed it with a 3:1 victory over RB Leipzig. A 1:1 draw against 1. FC Köln was followed by a 3:2 home victory over FC Augsburg. That run has given the visitors confidence, especially because they demonstrated their ability to score multiple goals against opponents who play aggressively and attack-minded football.
Bremen cover approximately 121.5 kilometres per league match on average. According to Bundesliga data, only FC Bayern München and TSG Hoffenheim performed better in this category at the start of the season. This is an important statistic for the match in Dortmund: the visitors will probably have to do a great deal of work without the ball and quickly close the spaces between their lines.
Serhou Guirassy versus Niclas Füllkrug: the strikers' duel takes centre stage
One of the most interesting stories surrounding the match is the encounter between Serhou Guirassy and Niclas Füllkrug. Guirassy joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024, when Füllkrug left the club and moved to West Ham United. After a period abroad, Füllkrug returned to Werder Bremen, for whom he is now scoring goals once again.
Guirassy has scored two goals and provided two assists in the opening four Bundesliga rounds this season. His importance extends beyond finishing chances. In Borussia's play, he frequently drops towards midfield, takes part in short passing combinations and creates space for players making runs from deeper positions.
His partnership with Fabio Silva, who has also scored two league goals, is particularly interesting. Guirassy assisted both of Silva's goals, demonstrating how much more varied Dortmund's attack has become. Against Werder, the home side will attempt to exploit precisely these movements, because simply marking one central striker is not enough.
Füllkrug offers different qualities. He is strong in physical duels, uses his body well when receiving the ball and poses a threat from crosses. In four league appearances for Werder, he has scored three goals, one each against RB Leipzig, 1. FC Köln and FC Augsburg. He has therefore found the net in three consecutive Bundesliga rounds.
If he scores in Dortmund as well, Füllkrug will have scored in four consecutive Bundesliga matches for the first time in his career. He also has additional motivation: according to competition statistics, he has yet to score against Borussia Dortmund in seven previous league encounters.
Guirassy, on the other hand, has an excellent record against Werder. He has scored in four of his last five Bundesliga appearances against Bremen. Their direct battle will not take place only in front of goal. The way Guirassy contributes to building attacks and Füllkrug holds up the ball under pressure could determine how effectively both teams transition from defence to attack.
Tactical expectations: Dortmund's width versus Werder's compactness
According to pre-match predictions, Borussia Dortmund could start in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with three central defenders, wide players positioned high and two attacking midfielders behind Serhou Guirassy. This system allows them to control midfield while also quickly turning possession won into attacks towards the opposition penalty area.
Felix Nmecha is important in organising the team's play, while Joey Veerman can contribute through his passing quality and switches of play. Ethan Nwaneri and Maximilian Beier offer different options between the opposition's lines. Beier's ability to run in behind the defence is especially useful when opponents push their back line forward.
Dortmund are also dangerous from set pieces. Ahead of the match, Werder coach Daniel Thioune specifically highlighted the strength of Borussia's counterattacks and set pieces, emphasising that his team would need to be efficient with the limited number of chances he expects them to have.
Werder are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Marco Friedl is important in organising the back line, while Youri Regeer and Ludovit Reis could face the demanding task of closing down space in front of the defence. Füllkrug is expected to lead the attack, supported by players such as Eren Dinkçi, Chuki and Marco Grüll.
For Bremen, avoiding unnecessary losses of possession in midfield will be essential. Borussia quickly punish misplaced passes when their attacking players are already facing the opposition goal. The visitors will therefore probably choose their moments to press high rather than constantly attacking the home side's defence.
Another important factor will be defending the wide areas. Dortmund's wide players can force Werder's full-backs to retreat, reducing the number of visiting players available for counterattacks. If Bremen manage to escape pressure through the wings and find Füllkrug in the penalty area, the match could become considerably more open.
The predicted formations are not confirmed starting line-ups. The final team selections are expected approximately one hour before kick-off.
Injuries and possible absences
Niko Kovač must take the fitness of several important players into account when preparing for the match. Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias are unavailable due to serious knee injuries, while Justin Lerma and Filippo Mané are dealing with muscular problems.
The availability of Nico Schlotterbeck, who suffered an injury while on international duty, is particularly uncertain. The defender has trained individually, and the decision on whether he can play depends on final medical assessments. Julian Ryerson has also experienced health problems following a collision, while Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas have had cold symptoms. Carney Chukwuemeka returned with minor muscular discomfort.
Werder have an even longer list of absentees. Felix Agu and Skelly Alvero have calf injuries, Moussa Ndiaye is experiencing groin problems, and Jens Stage has a serious thigh muscle injury. Salim Musah was injured while playing for Germany's youth national team and faces a lengthy recovery. Justin Njinmah is also having thigh problems, although he has already resumed some training activities. Keke Topp is absent due to a cruciate ligament injury, while Senne Lynen has problems in the pelvic area.
Such a large number of absences particularly affects Werder's rotation options. Thioune will need to carefully manage the workload of his fit players and adjust substitutions according to how the match develops. For Dortmund, the greatest uncertainty concerns the defensive line, as the potential absences of Schlotterbeck and Ryerson could influence the selection of the three defenders and wide players.
Head-to-head meetings: Dortmund have the advantage, but Bremen remember a remarkable comeback
Borussia Dortmund have not lost any of their last seven Bundesliga matches against Werder. During that period, they recorded five victories and two draws. Their two most recent meetings took place during the 2025/2026 season, and Dortmund won both without conceding a goal.
The last five league meetings between the teams:
- 16.05.2026. - Werder Bremen - Borussia Dortmund 0:2.
- 13.01.2026. - Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen 3:0.
- 25.01.2025. - Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen 2:2.
- 31.08.2024. - Werder Bremen - Borussia Dortmund 0:0.
- 09.03.2024. - Werder Bremen - Borussia Dortmund 1:2.
Nevertheless, supporters of both teams clearly remember the match in August 2022. Dortmund were still leading 2:0 at their home stadium in the closing stages, but Werder scored three goals from the 89th minute onwards and won 3:2. It was one of the most memorable comebacks in recent Bundesliga seasons.
That result serves as a reminder of why Dortmund cannot take points against Bremen for granted. The visitors have already shown this season that they possess attackers capable of exploiting opponents' mistakes, while Füllkrug's return adds another dimension to their attacking play.
Signal Iduna Park: Germany's largest football stadium
Signal Iduna Park is located at Strobelallee 50 in Dortmund and has a capacity of 81,365 spectators. The stadium opened in 1974 and, following subsequent expansions, developed into the largest football stadium in Germany. It is recognisable for its tall yellow roof supports, steep stands and the close proximity of the spectators to the pitch.
The most famous part of the stadium is the Südtribüne, or south stand, which supporters call the "Gelbe Wand" or "Yellow Wall". During home league matches, almost 25,000 Borussia Dortmund supporters stand there. The high concentration of fans, flags, choreographed displays and collective chanting create the visual and acoustic experience for which the stadium is famous throughout the football world.
For visiting supporters, a match at a stadium like this is also an important occasion. Werder Bremen have a strong supporter culture, and an away trip to Dortmund offers the opportunity to visit one of Germany's most famous football venues. The different songs and rhythms of the supporters in the stands make an evening kick-off particularly appealing.
The stadium has several entrance areas, so it is important to check the entrance and sector indicated on the ticket in advance. Spectators seated in different sections of the stands may not use the same access routes. This is especially important for those visiting Signal Iduna Park for the first time.
Interest in the match between Borussia Dortmund and Werder Bremen is further increased by the home team's position at the top of the table and the return of Niclas Füllkrug. It is worth checking ticket availability sufficiently early and organising the journey according to the stadium sector to which access is permitted.
How to get to Signal Iduna Park
Dortmund is located in western Germany, in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The city is connected by rail and road to numerous German and European destinations. Public transport is recommended for travelling to the stadium on match days because roads around Westfalenhallen and Strobelallee become congested shortly before kick-off.
Practical information for visitors:
- Stadium address: Signal Iduna Park, Strobelallee 50, Dortmund, Germany.
- Train: from Dortmund Hauptbahnhof, regional trains can take passengers to Dortmund Signal Iduna Park station, from where they can continue on foot towards the stadium.
- Public transport: urban light rail lines U45 and U46 connect central areas of Dortmund with Westfalenhallen and the stadium. Departure schedules should be checked for match day.
- Car: more than 10,000 paid parking spaces are available around the stadium. Parking permits must be purchased online in advance.
- Away supporters: car park E3 is specifically designated for visiting supporters and can be accessed from the Viktor-Toyka-Straße area. Current arrival instructions should be checked before travelling.
Drivers arriving from other parts of Germany can access the area via the A1, A2, A40 and A45 motorways, as well as the B1 and B54 roads. Nevertheless, driving into the immediate vicinity of the stadium during evening matches may involve waiting on access roads and in car parks.
For visitors travelling by train, Dortmund Hauptbahnhof is a practical starting point. The railway station is located next to the city centre, and public transport connections to the stadium are available from there. After the match, visitors should expect crowded platforms and longer waiting times because of the large number of spectators leaving simultaneously.
Gate opening times, security rules and access to the stands
According to the stadium regulations, entrances to Signal Iduna Park open two and a half hours before the start of home matches. Since the match against Werder begins at 20:30, the expected gate opening time is 18:00. The organiser recommends entering at least one and a half hours before kick-off, which for this match means approximately by 19:00.
Arriving early allows enough time for security checks, finding the correct sector and buying food or drinks inside the stadium. It is particularly useful for spectators who are not yet familiar with the layout of the stands and entrances.
Only bags with a maximum size of DIN A4 format and a maximum permitted depth of 15 centimetres may be brought into the stadium. Larger bags and backpacks cannot be freely taken inside. Limited luggage storage facilities are available, but visitors are advised to arrive without unnecessary belongings.
Visitors should have their tickets ready before reaching the security checkpoint. Appropriate printed and digital ticket formats are accepted, and a scanning system is used on entry. Bringing pyrotechnics and other dangerous items into the stadium is prohibited.
It is also worth checking the weather conditions in advance. October evenings in Dortmund can be cold, especially after spending a long time outdoors, so layered clothing is a practical choice. Visitors planning to stay until the end of the match and then use public transport are advised to allow sufficient time to return to the railway station.
Dortmund as a destination for football supporters
Dortmund is one of the largest cities in the industrial Ruhr region and a place where football plays a significant role in everyday life. The city has historical links with steel production, mining and brewing, and today offers museums, cultural venues and extensive green spaces alongside its industrial heritage.
For visitors arriving by train, the Deutsches Fußballmuseum, Germany's football museum located directly opposite the main railway station, is an interesting attraction. The museum presents the development of German football, national team and club competitions, and objects associated with famous players and matches. Its location makes it easy to plan a visit before heading towards the stadium, provided opening hours are checked in advance.
Westfalenpark is another well-known city attraction, particularly for visitors who want to spend part of the day away from the busiest areas of the city centre. Those travelling solely for the match can remain in the central area and take public transport to the stadium without needing a car.
On the day of a Borussia Dortmund home match, large numbers of supporters wearing yellow and black can be expected throughout the city. Areas around the railway station, public transport hubs and approaches to the stadium are particularly busy. Werder supporters should pay attention to the access rules for away sectors and the organiser's instructions.
What to watch during the match and how to plan your football evening
From a footballing perspective, the most important question will be whether Werder can maintain their defensive organisation long enough against Borussia's movement between the lines. In their opening four rounds, Dortmund have demonstrated that they can win both open matches featuring many goals and tight encounters decided by a single precise attack.
Spectators should pay particular attention to Guirassy's movement between Werder's defenders, Beier's runs from deeper positions and the ways Bremen attempt to find Füllkrug after regaining possession. Set pieces could play a major role because both teams have physically strong players in the penalty area.
Dortmund's home advantage does not mean the visitors are expected to play passively. Werder have already defeated RB Leipzig and FC Augsburg and demonstrated their ability to score in different circumstances. If Bremen can withstand the initial pressure and force the home side into mistakes, they could set up an exciting conclusion.
The match will be refereed by Christian Dingert, assisted by Alexander Sather and Stefan Lupp. The evening kick-off allows supporters to spend part of the day exploring the city but requires more careful planning for the return journey, particularly for travellers who depend on late train departures.
It is worth securing tickets for this match before organising travel. The most important thing for visitors is to coordinate their arrival time, access to the stadium and departure plans after the final whistle. For supporters who want to watch the beginning of the warm-up, experience the stands gradually filling and see the players emerge onto the pitch, arriving well before kick-off is the best option.
Sources:
- DFB Datencenter - schedule for the fifth round of the 2026/2027 Bundesliga, results from previous rounds and league standings.
- Bundesliga.com - Borussia Dortmund - Werder Bremen match preview, team statistics, absences, expected formations and head-to-head records.
- Bundesliga.com - article "Guirassy versus Füllkrug: Successor meets predecessor", statistics and playing characteristics of the strikers.
- Borussia Dortmund (bvb.de) - match previews, squad condition, report on the match against VfB Stuttgart and information about Signal Iduna Park.
- Borussia Dortmund (bvb.de) - directions, parking, gate opening times, permitted luggage and security procedures.
- FBref - results of previous head-to-head encounters and Niclas Füllkrug's statistics.
- Deutsches Fußballmuseum - information about getting to the museum and transport connections to the stadium.
- Germany Travel - information about Dortmund, the city's industrial history and cultural attractions.