Borussia Dortmund: A look at their Champions League opponents

Yesterday Borussia Dortmund were drawn in Group G of the Champions League where they will meet FC Copenhagen, Sevilla and Manchester City.

Despite getting beaten by a two-goal margin in both legs of last season’s Champions League, fans of the Black and Yellows will in particular be looking forward to a reunion with Erling Haaland. 

It’s early days and the recent exposure to the ‘Cityzens’ should be an asset but overall BVB will be outgunned by City and should struggle to gain momentum against the English champions.

Sevilla is a club Dortmund eliminated in the 2020/21 season. Despite a stalemate at the Signal-Iduna Park, BVB put in an outstanding performance in the second leg win at the Sanchez Pizjuan, winning 3-2. 

However, the record Europa League winners have finished in the top four in the last two seasons in La Liga. A BVB in good form should be able to match the ‘Roji-Blancos’ despite the club adding Isco from Real Madrid and Brazilian Marcão at centre-back this summer.

The ties against FC Copenhagen are winnable. The only previous encounter was in the 2000/01 Europa League last 32 which BVB won 1-0. Coach Jess Thorup has good experience, leading former club Midtjylland to the last 16 of the Europa League in 2021. The 14 time Danish champions are hard to grind down and lost just four games last season, conceding 19. 

Speaking to Kicker, Hans-Joachim Watzke described the tie as ‘manageable’ and spoke of a ‘warm welcome for Erling Haaland’. 

Another player who will be looking forward to the encounter with the light blues is undoubtedly BVB’s new signing, winger Jayden Braaf who spent three years at the Premier League club. 

Overall BVB will most likely need to win their home games, except City, and get something away in Copenhagen and Sevilla to progress. One advantage however will be UEFA’s trial with safe standing meaning BVB will be able to count on crowds up to 81,000. The ‘Gelbe Wand’ really can spur BVB on. 

Ben McFadyean