Revierderby returns: Borussia Dortmund to face Schalke in 2026-27 Bundesliga
Quick summary
Schalke's promotion back to the Bundesliga means the iconic Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke will return for the 2026-27 season after years in the second division.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThe dates of the derby were revealed ahead of the full fixture list as part of our City Challenge . Fans will have to wait until Matchday 12 (4-6 December 2026) for the first Revierderby in Gelsenkirchen. The return fixture in Dortmund will then be on Matchday 29 (9-11 April 2027).
The last Revierderby was on 11 March 2023, when Dortmund twice went ahead at the Veltins-Arena through Nico Schlotterbeck and Raphaël Guerreiro , but Marius Bülter and Kenan Karaman hit back each time for Schalke to earn a draw .
Watch: Highlights of the most recent Revierderby
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What happened
The Revierderby, one of German football's most storied rivalries, is set to return to the Bundesliga in 2026-27 following Schalke's promotion from the 2. Bundesliga. Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 have not met in the top flight for several seasons, making this a highly anticipated reunion. The fixture carries deep regional and cultural significance in the Ruhr area. For Dortmund, the derby represents a return to a traditional rivalry, while Schalke faces the challenge of re-establishing themselves among Germany's elite after a prolonged absence.
Chance analysis
The return of the Revierderby is a major event for the Bundesliga's brand and competitive identity, adding one of Germany's fiercest rivalries back to the top-flight schedule. Schalke's promotion reintroduces competitive tension in the Ruhr derby, which had been absent from the Bundesliga due to their relegation. From a prediction standpoint, Dortmund will be heavy favorites given squad quality disparity, but derby matches often defy form. The fixture's emotional weight and atmosphere make it a high-profile addition to the 2026-27 calendar.
The Bundesliga gains a marquee fixture for 2026-27, with Dortmund entering as favorites and Schalke gaining exposure and motivation from their top-flight return.
Account for the emotional and tactical intensity of a derby when predicting outcomes; Dortmund remain favorites but Schalke's motivation in a promotion-return season could be a factor.