Dortmund targeting success against Barcelona to boost domestic league campaign
BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund's European history features numerous memorable comebacks and against-the-odds victories against Spanish clubs.
Yet neither their 1994 aggregate win over Deportivo La Coruna (3-2), the 2013 thriller against Malaga (3-2), nor even this year's epic 5-4 victory over Atletico Madrid can compare to the magnitude of the challenge now facing the struggling 2021 DFB-Pokal winner.
"Advancing to the next round would be the biggest miracle in our club's history," Dortmund CEO and 1997 UEFA Champions League hero Lars Ricken said ahead of the second leg of the quarterfinal tie against Barcelona.
Last week's crushing 4-0 defeat in Spain leaves little room for a miraculous comeback, but Dortmund still clings to hopes of salvaging pride with a spirited performance - one that could reignite momentum in their Bundesliga campaign.
"We won't hand out any gifts. Maybe we score an early goal and then see what happens," sporting director Sebastian Kehl said, referring to the club's recent three-game unbeaten run in Germany's top flight.
With progression to the semifinals appearing improbable for last season's runners-up, Ricken emphasized the team's immediate goal: "Our goal must be to win the game."
With five matchdays remaining, Dortmund's primary focus is securing Champions League qualification for next season.
"It's our goal to continue our recent run," coach Niko Kovac said following Bundesliga victories over Mainz and Freiburg, and a 2-2 draw in Der Klassiker against Bayern Munich.
While the four-man back line proved ineffective in Barcelona, reverting to a 3-3-2-2 formation appears essential. The added stability from two defensive wingers could be vital against Barca's rapid attackers.
Following an impassioned team address demanding greater intensity, Kovac and senior players agreed to return to the more robust defensive system.
While aiming to contain Barcelona in Europe, Dortmund's immediate focus remains Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Monchengladbach - a crucial test for the 2012 champions' domestic ambitions.
"We're talking about many millions of euros at stake when it comes to qualifying for European competition next season," Ricken said, noting the team's solid showing against Bayern.
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