Dortmund was drawn to face Juventus in Champions League last 16. This will be classic match recalling their meet in Champions League Final 1997 in which Dortmund won 3-1. People argue that it will be an even match considering Dortmund accomplishment in CL in recent years but struggling in Bundesliga and Juventus reign in Serie-A but never good enough in CL recently.
I am not favoring which one will win, but I am very concerned to Dortmund because they must cope hardly between Bundesliga and CL. In Bundesliga, they are now in relegation zone which is far away from CL Zone. Rather than thinking how to secure CL spot for next year, they’d better to put up to get out from relegation zone. It’s ironic knowing they are a finalist and semifinalist consecutively in the last two year but next year they would be in second division of German League.
Perhaps they think they will be granted one spot by winning CL this year. It makes sense considering similar case happen to Liverpool in 2005-2006 when Liverpool is the title holder and on fifth place. Ever since then, the title holder is guaranteed to qualify for next year.
However, the big question is can they win it? I’m not sure since there are many top contenders this season despite their brilliance in CL. Let’s say they can get through Juventus, but eventually they will face stronger team like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, etc. which are more favored even though it’s incredible if they can become the champion.
If i were Juergen Klopp, realistically i would prioritize to avoid relegation and fight for CL zone. Definitely, i don’t want to fail in CL yet in the meantime being relegated.
Hary Prabowo Suryoatmojo 