Pre-Match Report
U19s the outsiders in Youth League game against Real Madrid
"I said in October that you beat Real once in 100 games. Now we need to do it a second time," explained head coach Mike Tullberg after the draw had been made. BVB recorded a sensational 2-1 victory at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano In the league phase, laying the foundations for their progression to the round of 16. "It's a real highlight for the boys. They're really looking forward to Madrid – and perhaps we'll pull off another surprise," said Tullberg.
The U19s have the opportunity to qualify for the round of 16 for the fourth time on the bounce. The team even made it through to the last eight on two occasions (2022, 2023), but last year the Black & Yellows suffered defeat at the hands of MK Zilina (2-1). This season, BVB fielded the youngest team in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League and secured the extra game against Real Madrid by finishing in 18th place in the table. This means they have already achieved one of their goals for the season. The round of 16 would be a welcome bonus.
The next generation at the world's most successful football club made a bumpy start to their Youth League campaign. After opening their account with a 1-0 victory against VfB Stuttgart, Real lost 2-1 to OSC Lille and BVB respectively, before bouncing back with three wins in a row (2-1 against AC Milan, 1-0 against Liverpool and 4-0 against Atalanta). Los Blancos produced an almost perfect performance in Bergamo. After some trial and error at the outset, coach Alvaro Arbeloa has now identified his best line-up, which includes four players from the U20 squad. Real lead the Spanish league at junior level (Division de Honor Juvenil), with a one-point lead over Atlético Madrid.
Campbell and Kabar back in action
Borussia regard themselves as the underdogs ahead of this clash, which was also the case in October. And yet the Black & Yellows surpassed themselves and turned a 1-0 deficit into victory thanks to a converted penalty from Nick Cherny and a last-minute goal from Taycan Etcibasi. "The team invested heart and passion and were rewarded for it," recalled Tullberg.
The 1-0 win over a strong Karlsruher SC side in the DFB-Nachwuchsliga gave the boys a confidence boost. Little will change on the personnel front. Central defender Tyler Meiser is out injured, while Jonas Feddersen, who was recently suspended in the Championship Round, returns to the starting line-up. Borussia's hopes predominantly rest on Cole Campbell and Almugera Kabar. Like they did against Karlsruhe, the two young first-team players will bolster what is still a very young squad.
The refereeing team comes from the Netherlands and will be led by Joey Kooij..
(wiwi)