A glance at the table suggests that VfL Bochum II and Borussia Dortmund II are evenly matched. But for Heiko Butscher, the favorite is clear.

On paper, the sporting gap within the Regionalliga West couldn’t be greater when a team promoted from the Oberliga meets a team relegated from the 3. Liga.

But that’s not the only thing that makes this match on the fifth matchday special. Some people would even call it a derby when VfL Bochum II and Borussia Dortmund II face each other. VfL coach Heiko Butscher is also aware of the significance of this match. After four games, both teams have five points. This predicts a duel between two evenly matched teams. However, Butscher clearly sees the visitors from Dortmund as favorites.“We know, of course, that BVB has absolute quality. Just because they have five points now, like us, you can’t say that it’s a duel between two evenly matched teams,” said the former VfL professional, adding: “I’m sure that BVB will be at the top very quickly. They will develop because they have enormous quality.”

Everything is set for an exciting match on Saturday, August 23, at 2 p.m. The two teams will face off at the Ruhrstadion, from where fan buses will depart for Gelsenkirchen after the final whistle. That’s where VfL’s first team will be playing Schalke 04 in the evening. For Butscher, Bochum’s home ground is also symbolic of a positive development. “In recent months, we’ve spent almost all our time discussing how bad the second teams are. I think we’re developing well at the moment and showing that it can be very attractive to play in such a great stadium.”

The Bochum coach also believes: “I think all the guests who have been here so far have been really impressed. It’s obviously something special for my boys to play in front of such a big crowd. But that’s the preparation we need.”

You can show at the very highest level whether you can handle the pressure or not.

Heiko Butscher

As extraordinary as it may be to play in front of a large crowd, Butscher says this aspect also has a downside: “You can show at the very highest level whether you can handle the pressure or not. Being able to do that is also a question of talent.”

Just under 45 kilometers separate the Rote Erde stadium, home of Dortmund II, and the Ruhrstadion. This regional proximity gives the game a special character. “It’s a special game. There’s nothing better than a duel like this, which was unimaginable in recent years,” says Butscher. “I’m happy for the players that they get to experience a duel like this.”

Butscher expects “a lot of spectators, a lot of scouts, and a lot of soccer fans” to watch the regional league match. How many people will actually make their way to the Ruhrstadion will be seen on Saturday, August 23, at 2 p.m. In any case, it shouldn’t be too far to travel.