Can Dortmund really win the Champions League?
It is often the case that the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United get all of the media’s attention when they reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, leaving the rest of the clubs to make up the numbers and bicker amongst themselves, but have no doubt about it – Borussia Dortmund have a massive chance to win this year’s Champions League trophy.
When Dortmund were drawn into group D with 9-time winners Real Madrid, money-bags and English champions Manchester City and Dutch champions Ajax, few people had them down to wipe the floor with the rest and finish as group winners – but that is exactly what happened. 3 home wins out of 3 on top of 2 away draws and a thumping 4-1 win away at Ajax confirmed that they ran out unbeaten and put themselves in the best possible position to progress even further in the next round.
They have been drawn against Shakhtar Donetsk in the final 16 and travel to Ukraine next month to try and create themselves an advantage for the second leg back at Westfalenstadion. Jurgen Klopp is likely to go all out to ensure European glory as they trail by quite a margin in the Bundesliga standings – 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich and 3 behind second placed Bayer Leverkusen – and with the signing of Nuri Sahin who has returned to the club who gave him his opportunity as a kid, this time on an 18-month loan deal from Real Madrid, things are looking positive for the reigning champions of Germany.
I am not alone in my argument that they are in with a shot – Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, Manchester United gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester City chief Roberto Mancini have all explained that they think the Germans are one of the favourites for the glory.
So get down to the bookies and have a few pennies on…
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