UCL Round of 16: Borussia Dortmund v Tottenham preview

• Posted on March 5, 2019
• by Ellsamwise King
• Comment

Borussia Dortmund need to do something they have never done before and overturn a three-goal deficit.

Dortmund may never have overturned a three-goal deficit, but they came mighty close against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals five years ago.

That second-leg showing in 2013/14 can serve as inspiration for the hosts – who are in bullish pre-match mood – but Tottenham, buoyed by recent good results against BVB and with the prize of only a second UEFA Champions League quarter-final in their history within reach, should have enough nous to stave off a fightback.

Possible line-ups

Dortmund: Bürki; Wolf, Akanji, Zagadou, Diallo; Delaney, Witsel; Sancho, Reus Guerreiro; Götze
Out: Piszczek (foot)
Doubtful: Puliši? (muscle)
Misses next match if booked: Weigl

Tottenham: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sánchez, Vertonghen; Aurier, Sissoko, Wanyama, Rose; Eriksen, Son, Kane
Out: Alli (hamstring), Trippier (fitness)
Doubtful: Dier (illness), Winks (hip)
Misses next match if booked: Alderweireld, Lamela, Son

Key battle

Akanji v Kane: Dortmund sorely missed the injured Manuel Akanji’s athleticism and anticipation in the Wembley first leg.

To stand any chance of progression to the quarter-finals, BVB cannot afford to concede an away goal; for that to be the case, the fit-again Swiss defender must shackle Harry Kane, who has scored three goals in as many appearances against Dortmund.

Form guide

Dortmund
Last game: Augsburg 2-1 Dortmund (01/03)
Form: LWDLDDDWWW

Tottenham
Last game: Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal (02/03)
Form: DLLWWWWLLW

Lucien Favre, Dortmund coach

“We can’t talk about [beating Atlético 4-0 earlier this season]. Every game is different. The first leg is done and this is a different situation. We know we can score goals, but we have to play very cleverly. Of course, the most important thing is to produce a top performance. Anything is possible. We know it’s tough, but you never know.”

Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs manager

“It’s a great opportunity to play and go through to the next round in an important competition like the Champions League. It’s going to be a tough game. We need to forget the first leg. It’s important to start at a very good level – be aggressive, fight from the beginning, high tempo, that’s key.”

Source: UEFA