Champions League
With a “tailwind” to London: BVB shine in the premier class?
For a direct place in the round of 16, Dortmund probably needs a win against Tottenham away from home. The Champions League is not just financially important. The opponent is injured.
With the momentum of the last-minute win against FC St. Pauli, Borussia Dortmund wants to storm towards the round of 16 of the Champions League. “We are now flying to London with a tailwind in the truest sense of the word,” said Managing Director Lars Ricken at Dortmund Airport. “We want to have this final against Inter!”
The 49-year-old’s plan is clear: first win at Tottenham Hotspur (Tuesday, 9 p.m./Amazon Prime) and then next week in the home football temple against Inter Milan make it clear that they will reach the round of 16.
With two games left and eleven points, BVB has every chance. Last season, when the new league system was played for the first time, 16 points were needed to qualify directly for the round of 16. FC Brugge in 24th place, the last team still entitled to take part in the playoffs, had as many points after eight games as BVB has now.
In the British capital, Borussia will face an opponent with the same number of points but who are also badly beaten. Spurs are a force at home in European competitions. However, the current constitution clearly speaks in favor of BVB – despite all the debates about playing deficiencies.
Tottenham coach under pressure
With a draw and two wins, coach Niko Kovac’s team started the new year well in terms of results and secured second place in the Bundesliga. Tottenham, led by former Bundesliga stars Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons, is lagging far behind its own demands in the Premier League, as it did last season.
Coach Thomas Frank’s team didn’t win five competitive games in a row and were knocked out of the FA Cup. Ricken still warned: “If anyone thinks it would now be possible with less than 100 percent, I unfortunately have to say: That won’t happen.”
On Saturday, Tottenham basically had the BVB experience in a negative sense. While the Revierclub won with Emre Can’s penalty goal in the 96th minute, the Spurs lost the city duel against West Ham by conceding a goal in stoppage time. The mood among the fans is heated. According to media reports, coach Frank has to worry about his job with the Europa League winners.
The Champions League is particularly important
Kovac doesn’t have such worries in Dortmund. With the 54-year-old on the sidelines, BVB scores reliably. Recently, however, the B grade has repeatedly caused criticism. Dortmund did not dominate their opponents and lacked creativity in the game going forward. As long as Borussia continues to score one more goal than their opponent, this can be overcome. However, the mood could quickly change.
Because Borussia has already been eliminated from the cup and, given FC Bayern’s superiority, the only realistic goal in the league is to qualify for the premier class again, the most important European club competition is of particular importance. Progressing in the Champions League is not just financially important. The premier class also offers the only remaining chance to make this season a very special one.
dpa
