1) Roaring into the Round of 16
Having already purred in Europe this season, Borussia Dortmund’s recent domestic upswing makes them an even more daunting prospect for Round of 16 opponents PSV Eindhoven.
Having already purred in Europe this season, Borussia Dortmund’s recent domestic upswing makes them an even more daunting prospect for Round of 16 opponents PSV Eindhoven.
Group of Death? More Like Group of Dortmund
Drawn into a seemingly impossible group with PSG, Milan, and Newcastle, Dortmund defied expectations. They started slow, taking just one point in their opening two games, but roared back with five consecutive wins to top the group with a game to spare. Victories over Newcastle and a statement 3-1 win in Milan showcased their attacking prowess.
Domestic Improvement Boosts Morale
While dominating Europe, Dortmund struggled domestically. However, recent improvement in the Bundesliga, including an impressive win against Bayern Munich, has boosted team spirit and confidence. This newfound momentum adds another layer of threat to their already potent European form.
PSV Beware
PSV should be wary. Dortmund are firing on all cylinders, excelling in Europe and now finding their rhythm domestically. Their talent, experience, and surging confidence make them a formidable opponent in the upcoming Round of 16 clash.
2) Reversal of fortunes
Dortmund are a team reborn in 2024. Their recent domestic form screams “beast mode” compared to their winless end to 2023. Four wins in six unbeaten Bundesliga games, accompanied by a goal frenzy of 14 strikes, paints a stark contrast.
What sparked this dramatic turnaround? Several factors:
- Familiar Faces Return: The addition of former Dortmund players Nuri Şahin and Sven Bender as assistant coaches has injected experience and understanding.
- Winter Boost: Jadon Sancho’s loan return and Ian Maatsen’s signing brought fresh talent and enthusiasm. Sancho’s immediate impact with an assist in his first game back speaks volumes.
- Attacking Firepower: Dortmund’s offensive arsenal already boasted Julian Brandt, Marco Reus, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and Youssoufa Moukoko. Adding Sancho strengthens their bite to an intimidating level.
PSV should brace themselves for a confident BVB over two legs. The Dortmund machine is purring, both domestically and in Europe, and stopping them won’t be easy.
3) Dortmund’s Dutch connection
While PSV might think they have an edge with former Dortmund boss Peter Bosz at the helm, the Bundesliga giants hold a trump card: their own Dutch contingent with PSV experience – Donyell Malen and Ian Maatsen.
Malen on Fire
Malen is red-hot, his brace against Freiburg adding to his impressive tally of 10 goals this season. He claims Dortmund has “taken a big step forward” and seems eager to showcase his skills against his former club.
Maatsen Rising Star
Loan signing Maatsen has seamlessly integrated, already contributing assists and impressing with his assured play. Dortmund goalkeeper Kobel praises his intelligent play and winning mentality, qualities that will be crucial against PSV.
Bosz’s Edge Not Enough
While Bosz’s knowledge of Dortmund might help PSV, Malen and Maatsen’s insider information and current form with BVB give the German side a distinct advantage. With both players hungry to prove themselves against their former team, PSV’s supposed “inside scoop” might not be enough to overcome the firepower and determination of Dortmund’s Dutch connection.
4) In-form Füllkrug
Niclas Füllkrug, already a striker to be wary of, has become even more of a threat in recent weeks. Since joining Dortmund from Werder Bremen, he’s seamlessly integrated into the Black-and-Yellow machine, and his current form should send shivers down PSV’s spine.
Goals Galore
Füllkrug has been involved in 18 Bundesliga goals this season, with a staggering 8 coming in the last 5 games alone. A hat-trick against Bochum stands out, along with a goal and 2 assists in his impressive birthday performance against Freiburg.
Team Player with Top Quality
Füllkrug’s impact goes beyond goals. Partner Donyell Malen praises his quality and collaboration, highlighting the benefits of the 6’2″ striker’s playmaking abilities.
Momentum Building
After a shaky first half of the season, Füllkrug acknowledges the improved consistency and growing confidence Dortmund are finding. This bodes well for their upcoming tie against PSV.
5) Experience goes a long way
Compared to PSV, Dortmund holds a clear advantage in Champions League experience at the knockout stage. PSV hasn’t reached this level in eight seasons, while Dortmund enjoys their fifth appearance in the Round of 16 in the last six years and their 12th overall.
History also favors Dortmund. When these teams last met in European competition, back in the 2002/03 group stage, Dortmund triumphed 3-1 in Eindhoven and drew 1-1 at home. Notably, PSV’s most recent encounter with German opposition ended in a crushing 6-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2016/17 Champions League group stage.
This experience gap could prove crucial in the upcoming tie. While PSV faces the unknown, Dortmund can rely on their past successes and composure in high-pressure situations.