Signal Iduna Park
Champions League Group F
6.45pm local time / 5.45pm UK, 7/11/23
Tale of the tape
BVB
- Bundesliga 4th W6 D3 L1 GD +5 21 Pts
- Champions League 2nd W1 D1 L1 GD -4 4 Pts
NUFC
- Premiership 6th W6 D2 L3 +16 20 Pts
- Champions League 3rd W1 D1 L1 +2 4 Pts*
*BVB, despite a worse goal difference, sit a place ahead of us currently based on the ludicrous ‘head to head’ rule.
Lustige Tatsache
The North Rhine-Westphalian giants have the highest average attendance of any football club worldwide – 81,178.
The relentless schedule for Eddie and his charges rumbles on. Following two wins, four notched and none conceded versus the Manchester Reds and the Gurning Gunners, it’s straight back to Champions League duty. Next up, our German friends, BVB await in their own (‘kin massive) backyard.
This last week (in particular) has entered the realms of fantasy for those of a black & white persuasion. A squad ravaged by injury, reeling from the hammer blow of the punitive Tonali suspension, has gone above and beyond against ‘big 6’ English opposition. Will a trip to visit die Gelbe Wand see us continue this stellar form?
Having watched die Schwarzgelben take on Werder Bremen prior to our last meeting, I was particularly bullish. I saw little to fear, following a laboured performance by Dortmund against rather weak looking opposition. However, they did win 1-0, and promptly visited St James’ repeating that scoreline.
In my opinion, we attacked the Germans in too gung-ho a manner. Particularly, in the first half we threw ourselves at them, but were too often profligate in possession. That led to several hairy moments as BVB continually countered us with men over, whilst we frantically chased back. The goal on HT was well taken by Nmecha, and no surprise.
We were better in the second period. Callum missed a sitter, and we, of course, struck the woodwork twice late on. This left many feeling we were unlucky not to gain at least a point. My cabal of elder statesmen Biancanori felt that our Champion’s League-savvy visitors controlled most of the game expertly and were worthy winners.
When it comes to how good BVB are, I must admit to lacking Bundesliga insight. As usual, they’re near the top of the league, but I watched extended highlights of Saturday evening’s Der Klassiker. As most of you will already know, they were humbled at home by the Bavarians (0-4). First, Upemecano was left in yards of space by Borussia’s back line. Then Harry Kane then scored a hat trick of training ground goals. Put it this way, we know he’s brilliant but it all just looked way too easy for him. Are Bayern that good? Are BVB that bad? Or was it just an off day? I don’t have the answers, I’m afraid.
What I do know, is that their immense support will be vocally willing them on to bounce back quickly on Tuesday evening. I can’t wait to view it all first hand from Block 70.
Vorhersage time. Our hosts have already showed that they can manage a game. I reckon Eddie will be looking to counter that with tactics designed to frustrate. I’m not sure it will be as open a tie as at St James’. I’m going for a fence sitting eins-eins.
Dearest Brenda, I’ve reverted to ‘cautious’ type. See you all in the Altstadt!
Nick Clark
@Clark5Nick
