Derby duel: U23 from Hannover 96 vs. Werder Bremen II – Who will secure victory?

Derby duel: U23 from Hannover 96 vs. Werder Bremen II – Who will secure victory?

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, it's time again: derby time in Bremen! Hannover 96's U23s will then face Werder Bremen II in an exciting duel in the Regionalliga Nord. After a solid 1-0 away win in Emden, coach Daniel Stendel's team scored 18 points and is in 7th place. The anticipation among the players is palpable, as Stendel emphasized at a recent press event. He emphasizes his team's motivation and is optimistic that they can show their good form in the derby. The game will kick off at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast live on nordfv.tv so fans can watch the game from home.

A look at the statistics shows that Werder Bremen's U23s also have 18 points, but are ranked 8th based on goal difference. The team has already suffered a number of setbacks this season, including a resounding 6-2 defeat against Hamburger SV II in their last game. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the balance of the direct duels between Hannover 96 II and Werder looks promising for the guests: In the history of the encounters, there have already been 13 meetings, from which both Werder and Hannover can each produce 6 wins and 1 draw.

U19 derby also on Saturday

But it's not just the U23s that have a lot to offer on this day. Hannover 96's U19s are also playing in the derby against BTSV, and here too there is a lot to be happy about. With 16 points from seven games, the boys from Hanover are in second place in the DFB youth league, although they are only two points behind the league leaders from Hamburg. Assistant coach Martin Glaese is looking forward to the encounter and emphasizes the positive development of the players. The U19 game will kick off at 1 p.m. and will take place behind closed doors. BTSV, on the other hand, has had a slow start so far and is in last place with one point and six defeats.

The most recent encounters between the U19s from Hanover and Werder speak for themselves: In the last league game, the Hanoverians celebrated a clear 4-1 win, which further strengthens their self-confidence. The team also remembered their success in the first leg two months ago, when they beat BTSV 2-1 - Robin Stolpe was a double goalscorer and made a significant contribution to the victory.

Opportunities and challenges in talent promotion

Both teams are not only doing well on the pitch, but are also part of the comprehensive talent development in German football. With its talent development program, which has been active since the 2002/03 season, the German Football Association (DFB) has created the basis for the development of young talent in Germany. The youth performance centers (NLZ) have grown significantly in recent years, and as of July 2025 there are already 59 NLZs that help clubs to promote their talents in the best possible way. It is noticeable that Hannover 96's U23s are one of the fairest teams in the league; They lead the fairness table and have not received any red cards so far.

For all football fans in Bremen and beyond, the upcoming weekend offers exciting games that will not only shape the club's history, but also the landscape of German football. Whether on the pitch or in front of the TV, the atmosphere will certainly be excellent. Let's be surprised to see which team comes out on top in the end!