For seasoned football tacticians, some matchups are more than just three points or a place in the next round; they’re about experiencing the sport’s iconic stages. That’s precisely the sentiment driving FC Villarreal’s manager, Marcelino García Toral, as he prepares to lead his squad into the electrifying atmosphere of Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park for a highly anticipated Champions League clash.

At 60 years old, Marcelino, whose Villarreal side currently sits third in Spain’s La Liga, has openly expressed a long-held desire to test his mettle against the German powerhouse, particularly in their legendary home stadium. In a recent interview, he revealed his strategic thinking behind wanting dortmund as an opponent from Pot 1 during the draw.

“Before the draw, I wanted Dortmund as the away opponent from the teams in