Pre-Match Report
Gregor Kobel ahead of the Donetsk game: "Above all, we need the feeling of victory"
Four wins and three defeats – that is BVB's record after seven UEFA Champions League matches this season. With twelve points, the Black & Yellows lie 14th in the table. The team have therefore already made it into the play-offs for the round of 16, but it is also still possible for BVB to qualify for the round of the last 16 automatically. For this, they would need to finish at least eighth – the spot currently held by Bayer Leverkusen on 13 points. (Here's how BVB can qualify for the last 16 automatically.) However, the players are not getting bogged down in the different permutations that could see BVB avoid the play-offs. "We have to focus on ourselves, on our performance, playing a good game, getting three points, and everything else will come," said goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
As in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen (2-2), interim head coach Mike Tullberg will be on the touchline against Donetsk. Tullberg will have to make do without Felix Nmecha, who has suffered a knee injury and will miss several weeks. Waldemar Anton had gone into the Bremen game carrying a knock, "but he really wanted to be with us and fought his way through it. It didn't get worse either, so he's available to us," said Tullberg. Serhou Guirassy played through niggling rib issues against Bremen, but will also be available for selection on Wednesday.
After four defeats in a row, the draw against Bremen was the first point of this calendar year for BVB. And the Black & Yellows are hoping the first victory will follow against Donetsk. "It's not an easy situation to be here without a victory this year. In every sporting life, every club also goes through difficult phases. A good team is what makes it possible to get out of a difficult phase," said Kobel. "It is important that with good virtues – running, going into duels, and everything that distinguishes Borussia Dortmund from other clubs – we bring back that feeling of safety and ease and put in a performance on the pitch." The goalkeeper put it simply: "Above all, we need a taste of victory. We need to win games."
Ukrainian double winners
The opposition travel to Dortmund as reigning Ukrainian champions – their third title in a row. Thanks to a 2-1 final win against Vorskla Poltava, Shakhtar also lifted the Ukrainian cup for the 14th time. This season, they lie third in their domestic league. In the Champions League table, Donetsk are 27th and will need help from elsewhere to reach the play-offs. "They're an opponent who are very strong in possession. They rotate a lot in their build-up play and play attractive football. In terms of results, they have conceded a few goals too many," said Tullberg, analysing the opposition, referring to them as an "exciting team". The coach added: "But it's not so much about Shakhtar, it's more about us and that we show our quality on the pitch."
Christina Reinke