{"id":9842,"date":"2025-09-18T20:30:24","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:30:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=9842"},"modified":"2025-09-18T20:30:26","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:30:26","slug":"dortmund-set-to-challenge-juventus-in-exciting-ucl-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/dortmund-set-to-challenge-juventus-in-exciting-ucl-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Dortmund Set to Challenge Juventus in Exciting UCL Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Borussia Dortmund begins their 20th UEFA Champions League campaign this Tuesday with a challenging challenge against Juventus. According to Softfootball, this match marks a return to the venue where BVB celebrated their inaugural away victory in the tournament, and head coach Niko Kovac is optimistic his team can perform at a high level again.<\/p>\n

In a post-match interview with midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, reported on the team’s official website, the coach acknowledged Juventus’s significant home advantage but emphasized the depth and balance of his squad. Softfootball also concurs that the match is set to be fiercely contested; indeed, a 2-2 scoreline was forecasted in the game\u2019s preview.<\/p>\n

He stated:<\/p>\n

We want to show that we have the quality to compete here. When everyone is fit, we\u2019re very balanced. There needs to be competition for places. We\u2019ve got players with different profiles \u2013 physicality, creativity, work rate \u2013 and if we mix that well, we\u2019re in a good position. We\u2019ll need to stretch ourselves, we\u2019ll need to give 100 percent.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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\"Nico
Nico Kovac of Dortmund (Photo Credit: Dortmund via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

As he prepares for his third Champions League season with the team, Marcel Sabitzer echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the mindset necessary for success in Europe\u2019s elite competition, especially in light of warnings from Juventus Captain Locatelli about their team\u2019s eagerness for the match.<\/p>\n

Sabitzer commented:<\/p>\n

Basically, you always go into a tournament to win it, otherwise there\u2019s no point in even showing up. It\u2019s something special, the biggest stage possible for a player at club level. We\u2019re well equipped and very flexible. Opponents don\u2019t know in advance who they\u2019ll face.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dortmund made a post via the team\u2019s official X account<\/a>, announcing their arrival at their opponent\u2019s camp.<\/p>\n

They posted:<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

Kovac confirmed that Julian Brandt is back in the lineup, while Aaron Anselmino will need more time to recover before the upcoming weekend. Pascal Gro\u00df may return following a stomach illness, but Salih \u00d6zcan is excluded due to UEFA registration regulations.<\/p>\n

As Dortmund arrives in Turin, they understand the magnitude of the challenge ahead. Managed by Igor Tudor, Juventus are a formidable opponent, capable of employing various tactical approaches. For Dortmund, this journey starts with confidence, balance, and a desire to showcase their place among Europe’s top teams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n