sceneDortmund currently sit sixth in the Champions League standings, with three wins so far: at home against Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal and away at Copenhagen. In addition, there was a draw with Juventus and a loss to Manchester City. Last Sunday, the Black and Yellow defeated TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 2-0 in the Bundesliga. Hoffenheim and Bode play similar football styles. Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said his team “performed very well” over the weekend. “We are able to push ourselves to the limit and go beyond. We certainly know their running ability. I believe we are absolutely equal there.” Julian Brandt explained: “As always, we are very motivated for this game. This is the Champions League. We look forward to every game, especially the games we play at home.”
Personnel mattersAll Dortmund players are fit for the match. Niklas Süle returned to training last week after injuring his toe. “When everyone comes on board, you have a lot of options and a lot of competition in every position. That’s why tonight we will look at the best lineup for tomorrow,” said Niko Kovac. “We want to win this game and whoever comes on, want to give it our all.”
oppositionThe Norwegian National League is currently suspended: the Elite League ended at the end of November, with Vikings Stavanger claiming the title. Defending champions FK Bodø/Glimt ended the season in second place, securing a spot in the second qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League. In the current Champions League, the Norwegian team ranks 32nd. The Scandinavian side are still winless (in fact) with two draws (against Prague and Tottenham Hotspur) and three defeats (Galatasaray, Monaco and Juventus). “They didn’t play in the Champions League every year, but they did win the Nations League twice in a row and missed that opportunity by just one point,” Kovac said. “We have watched their games and from our perspective they have scored very little but have been very close. They were close against Juventus and very close against Monaco. We are going to face an opponent who, even though their season is over, is still very hungry. Their goal is definitely not to leave empty-handed here.”
advertise
Marco ReusAfter leaving in the summer of 2024, Marco Reus returns to SIGNAL IDUNA PARK for the first time. He will serve as one of DAZN’s experts on the streaming service, analyzing his former colleagues’ performances before and after games. Reus moved to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy last year. The U.S. season has come to an end, giving the former captain time to visit his former home and serve as a television commentator for the first time.
Christina Reinke