It's crunch time: BVB Women kick off the Regional League seasonThe scenarioAhead of the season opener, head coach Markus Hgner reflects on the successful summer preseason: We were fortunate to be able to start our preseason and training camp early. That gave us time to gel as a team and develop a structure that helped us succeed against Rome this past weekend. Through numerous video sessions, the team analyzed initial weaknesses and gradually built confidence and intensity. I was particularly impressed by our composure on the ball and the intensity in our one-on-one duels, especially in the second half. Now we want to carry that mindset from training and the preseason friendlies into the season, said Hgner.Markus Hgner rotated the lineup extensively during the preseason matches, often bringing in eleven new players at halftime, and gathered important insights: We have even more quality in the team this year; we have two players for almost every position, which creates healthy competition and allows us to play and make substitutions at a high level across the entire roster.Meanwhile, defender Yasu Whrn will be out for an extended period this upcoming season for the team. On Tuesday evening, fears were confirmed that the 22-year-old suffered a torn cruciate ligament during the friendly against AS Roma. In addition, Marina Scholz must continue to sit out due to a bruise on her instep and will not be in the squad for the match against Arminia Bielefeld.OpponentOn Thursday, the BVB Women will face Arminia Bielefeld, an experienced Regionalliga team that has consistently been among the top contenders in the Regionalliga West since being relegated from the 2nd Bundesliga in the 202021 season. Last season, the Bielefeld team finished third and drew 1-1 with the Borussia women in both of their head-to-head matches. Were facing a top team in the Regionalliga. Bielefelds back four is tough to break down, but well approach the game with patience, courage, and plenty of pace, says Markus Hgner.New OpponentsThe Regionalliga West will be expanded to 16 teams this year as part of the planned establishment of a 3. Liga next year. Alongside familiar teams such as DSC Arminia Bielefeld, Fortuna Kln, and Bayer Leverkusens U21 squad, six new teams will also be competing for promotion to the 2. Bundesliga or for qualification for the new 3. Liga. These include VfR SW Warbeyen, which was relegated from the 2. Bundesliga, as well as the five promoted teams (FC Schalke 04, SV Fortuna Freudenberg, Rhenania Bottrop, MSV Duisburg, and DJK Sdwest Kln) from the regional leagues.The first match of the 202627 Regionalliga season kicks off on Thursday, August 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Rote Erde Stadium. Tickets for the BVB Womens first home game (standing room: 3 euros, seats: 5 euros) are available online in theticket shop. In addition, Pluto TV will broadcast all of the BVB Womens league games live and free of charge.