In one of the most riveting encounters scheduled in the Europa League, Borussia Dortmund play hosts to Portuguese giants FC Porto at the Signal Iduna for the first leg of the round of 16 clash. The sides meet for the very first time in Europe and understandably, there's a euphoric build-up to the game.
Der BVB are back to their swashbuckling best under Thomas Tuchel, who took over Jurgen Klopp last June, and have successfully revived their title ambitions. In the Europa League, Dortmund progressed to the pre-quarters as the runners-up of group C and have emerged to be one of the favourites for the title.
Their adversaries for the next game are no different, though. FC Porto may have got 2016 off to a whimper, that also saw coach Julen Lopetegui depart, but cannot be written off so easily. The Dragons have upset the apple cart in the past and Dortmund need to be wary.
The former Portuguese champions earned the bragging rights in the region after beating eternal rivals Benfica 2-1 in the league, and will look to use it as a springboard for their campaign.
Kickoff and Telecast
Date and Time: 18th February 2016 – 11:30 PM (IST)
Live Telecast: Ten Action
Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
Team News
Hosts Borussia Dortmund have first choice keeper Roam Weidenfeller battling a bout of flu that makes his participation doubtful, but should be bolstered by the return of their talismanic striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back into the line-up.
Porto travel without midfielder Danilo Pereira and right-back Maxi Pereira, who are suspended for the clash, whereas centre-back Ivan Marcano will have to undergo a fitness test prior to the kickoff to know his availability.
Possible line-ups
Borussia Dortmund (4-3-3): Burki; Piszczek, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Ginter, Castro; Mkhitaryan, Aubameyang, Reus.
Porto (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Angel, Martins Indi, Verdasca, Layun; Herrera, Neves; Corona, Andre, Brahimi; Aboubakar.
Form guide
Borussia Dortmund head into the game on the back of an undefeated 2016. In the 5 games thus far, Dortmund have won 4 and also scored 9 goals in the process. The amazing attacking troika of Aubameyang, Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan continue to pull the punches whilst soldiering-on the team.
The Yellow Brigade have lost their last 2 European games but look in a shape to halt the slide.
Last 5 matches: W-W-D-W-W (Last result: Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Hannover 96)
The Dragons may have been sluggish in their proceedings lately, but are finding form once more. After 3 defeats in the Primeira Liga in this season alone, Porto slumped to third in the league but roared back into contention with a 2-1 defeat of rivals Benfica at Estadio da Luz.
The new manager Jose Peseiro has had a fine start to his reigns, but will see his credentials put through the paces against an up-and-running Dortmund side.
Last 5 matches: W-L-W-W-W (FC Porto 1-0 Maritimo)
Key stats
- Borussia Dortmund have won all 3 of their home games against Portuguese opponents.
- FC Porto have won the competition twice – in 2003 and 2011.
- In 29 European games against a German club, Porto have 12 and lost 10.
- This is the first time Dortmund have reached this stage of the Europa League in the new format.
- Iker Casillas has 163 UEFA caps under his belt. But none of them have come in the Europa League.
Key battles
Marcel Schmelzer vs Jesus Corona
A large part of Porto’s attack will stem through the right flank from where the diminutive Mexican winger Jesus Corona is known for running tings proper. The 23-year old possesses lightning fast speed and a keen eye for crosses. Dortmund defender Marcel Schmelzer can go a long way in tilting the tie in his side’s favour should he be successful in shutting the Mexican up.
The German is having an impressive campaign so far, and will have to match the swiftness of Corona to impede his movements.
Prediction
Both teams are in a rich vein of form and call the dark horses for the Europa League crown. Naturally, the tie will be intense and end-to-end, but home support may come to Dortmund’s aid.
Predicted score: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 FC Porto
Betting Odds (bet365)
Borussia Dortmund – 1/2
Draw – 62/17
FC Porto – 15/2
