The Champions League is back this week and one of the most intriguing fixtures sees Borussia Dortmund host Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.
Both sides aren’t in the title race in their respective domestic leagues, while failures in the domestic cups also means that the Champions League is their last chance of glory in 2023/24.
Neither side are one of the favourites for the competition, but Dortmund or Atletico will reach the semi-final, thereafter anything could happen.
Current Form
Dortmund Current Form
Dortmund’s reason form has been a microcosm of their fortunes not just this season, but over the last few years as a whole.
Two weeks ago they secured a historic away victory at Bayern Munich, finally getting one over their arch rivals.
However, they followed that with a disappointing 1-0 home defeat versus Stuttgart.
They are still in the race to qualify for the Champions League next season, but are currently in fifth.
Atletico Current Form
In the middle of March, Atletico suffered a rather humbling 3-0 defeat against Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano.
It was a loss that highlighted the current chasm in quality between Atletico and the two Clasico sides Barca and Real Madrid.
Normally the outright ‘best of the rest’ in Spain, Atletico have been overshadowed by the remarkable season enjoyed by Girona, who currently sit third.
At the weekend, Atleti beat Villarreal 2-1 away thanks to goals from Axel Witsel and Saul Niguez, with the winner coming in the 87th minute.
Dortmund Team News
Nico Schlotterbeck missed the last Champions League game in the last-16 due to suspension but he is now free to return in the backline alongside Mats Hummels.
Ramy Bensebaini is a definite absentee due to a knee issue, while there are doubts over Donyell Malen after he suffered a setback in his recovery from a hip problem.
Atletico Team News
There are two definite absentees for Atletico and they are Thomas Lemar and Mario Hermoso. The Frenchman is long-term due to a…
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Author : editors@footballcritic.com (Martin Macdonald)
Publish date : 2024-04-09 09:56:01
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