5 reasons why Borussia Dortmund will finish top of their Champions League group

Hungry for success on the European stage

They might have lost the 2013 Champions League final to arch rivals Bayern Munich, but that does not leave a bitter taste in their mouth. After all, many didn’t expect Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund side to reach that stage.

Although undone by a late Arjen Robben goal, Dortmund fans held their heads high after a magnificent campaign. But roll forward three years, fans will be hoping Thomas Tuchel can replicate was his predecessor did.

From the XI that started the Champions League final in 2013, only six remain at the club, with four of those remaining on the fringes of the current setup.

Borussia Dortmund’s last – and only – Champions League triumph came in 1997, against Juventus. A brace from Karl-Heinz Riedle and a wonder-goal from Lars Ricken clinched Borussia Dortmund their first trophy on the European stage.

Certainly something this squad that Tuchel has inherited will be able to achieve, despite their current poor Bundesliga form.

Whilst sporting director Michael Zorc told reporters that they must focus on their league form after failing to pick up a win in October, Thomas Tuchel will always have one eye on the Champions League.

Get out of their group, and Dortmund can certainly beat any team, be it Barcelona or Bayern Munich. The Dortmund that we see on the European stage is far more energetic than the one we see in the Bundesliga.

In 2013, Jose Mourinho once said that “If Borussia Dortmund get through the group, they’re candidates to win the tournament,” and that is certainly the case this time around too.