After a hard-fought 1-0 away victory last Sunday, the Borussia Dortmund women's team is riding a wave of confidence as they prepare to face SSV Rhade. Head coach Markus Högner summed up the performance as "narrow but thoroughly deserved," praising his squad's defensive discipline. "We defended our lead against Mecklenbeck with confidence and didn't allow the opposition a single chance on goal right until the end," Högner reflected. "A second goal would have made for a less stressful final few minutes, but against such a well-organized opponent, finding the right gaps is always a challenge." With the win, BVB sits just two points behind league leaders Cologne, keeping their title hopes alive.

The team enters Sunday's home clash with no injury concerns. "Marina Scholz did have some minor thigh problems after the game in Mecklenbeck," Högner noted. "But I expect her to be back in full training this weekend and therefore an option for Sunday." That clean bill of health gives the Black and Yellows a strong foundation as they look to build momentum.

SSV Rhade currently sits 12th in the Regionalliga West table, locked in a relegation battle. Despite their struggles—their last victory came around six weeks ago—Högner expects a fired-up opponent. "With Sammy Messalkhi, a tactically astute coach took charge at Rhade in the autumn," he explained. "He has set the team up well and strengthened the defense." To break down Rhade's resistance, BVB will need sharp positional play, constant off-the-ball movement, and the energy of their home crowd. The first leg offered a blueprint: a dominant 7-0 win that showcased what this team can do when clicking on all cylinders.

Looking ahead, May brings four more league matches against mid-table sides, all of whom will likely sit deep and fight with determination. "Such tests of patience can be draining," Högner admitted. "But if we stick to our game plan, implement what we've practiced in training, and avoid rushing into action, we'll master these challenges too."

The match against SSV Rhade kicks off this Sunday. For BVB women, it's another opportunity to prove their mettle—and maybe add to that goal tally.