When kick off comes on Thursday evening, it will start a game between two teams in absolute top form. Union have won six from six in 2023, showing their spirit and their ability to come back from whatever is thrown at them again and again.

The 25-year-old emerged from the break with the bit between his teeth and thumped in a 25-yard effort just minutes after he had uncharacteristically blazed over a glorious chance.

The Asia Tour at the end of November takes BVB to Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. The squad is led by Marco Reus, Mats Hummels and Emre Can, with many U23 and U19 players complementing the travelling contingent, delighted to get their first experience with the professional squad. Sixth place seems a long way away in Asia: the Black & Yellows are welcomed euphorically everywhere. “Borussia Dortmund, welcome to Vietnam!” shouts an inhabitant of Hanoi when he recognises Borussia. Wherever the BVB players go, they are warmly received. The people wave at them, pull out their smartphones and quickly ask for selfies and autographs. But even in Asia, sixth place is lurking in the back of the players’ and coaches’ minds. In addition to sightseeing and marketing appointments, work is conducted on the training ground. 

Bayern Munich has a lot of work to do in all competitions upon their return. While...

In Márton Dárdai and Jessic Ngankam, Hertha have two players called up to the Germany U21s provisional squad for the U21s EUROs. Antonio Di Salvo has called up an initial 26 players, including goalkeepers, on 14th June he will the have to slim the squad down by three players. “We have worked together towards this tournament with the players, coaching staff and backroom staff for two years, the anticipation is enormous,” said Di Salvo ahead of his first U21 EUROs as head coach. “Now it is about getting the team into as good condition as possible step by step and over lots of training sessions, which I am unbelievably looking forward to,” explained the 43-year-old.

“It’s bitter news. Mergim has recently been gaining more and more momentum and has demonstrated that he can be a strong contender for our attack,” said Permin Schwegler, the Head of Professional Football at TSG. “We will of course support Mergim with all the means at our disposal so that he can get back onto the pitch as soon as possible,” added Schwegler. The two-time Germany international joined TSG in the summer from league rivals FC Augsburg and has made 10 competitive appearances for the Kraichgau club to date.

Fifth Champions League matchday in Group G | Reigning European champions host Leipzig | Key players in our head-to-head

“Everyone knows Ajax,” he said, and how right he was. The name of the stadium is somehow enough.

Scamacca, West Ham’s £35million summer signing who has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, was handed his chance in attack with Michail Antonio, the double goalscorer in the first leg, out injured.

The 11 best players in their respective position are chosen for the “VDV 11”. Gregor Kobel convinced his fellow players between the sticks (51.8%), while Jude Bellingham was selected in midfield (76.9%). The other players chosen in the Bundesliga Team are Joško Gvardiol (Leipzig, 36,7%), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich, 56.8%), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, 31.7%), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer 04 Leverkusen, 56.3%), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich, 38.2%), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, 45.2%), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, 65.3%), Randal Kolo Muani (Eintracht Frankfurt, 73.4%) and Niclas Füllkrug (Werder Bremen, 57.3%).