Dortmund Target Top-Eight Finish With Top Performance Against Tottenham

Borussia Dortmund visit Tottenham in the Champions League knowing victory could strongly shape the group. Both clubs sit on 11 points and are separated only by goal difference, with Dortmund in 10th place. The match carries direct implications for the race for the top eight, as the table remains tight.

Niko Kovac underlined that qualification hopes would still be alive even with a setback, yet expectations remain high. "If we don't make it [on Tuesday], for whatever reason, it's not the end of the world," emphasised Kovac. "I said at the beginning of the Champions League season; we want to reach the play-off phase. "

Dortmund arrive after a 2-2 draw with Bodo/Glimt in their previous Champions League game, which added to the congestion around mid-table.

With just one position and goal difference dividing the teams, three points at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could propel either side into the top eight, depending on other results across the league phase.

Kovac accepted the pressure while stressing performance standards against a strong home side. "We want to win, and to do that, we have to deliver a top performance. It's an important game. We are neighbours in the table. The winners will still have the chance to reach the last eight. But we also know that Tottenham have won their first three home games without conceding a goal. That means we have to work hard, work a lot, and work with focus. "

This fixture continues a recent pattern that favours Tottenham in Europe. The clubs have met four times before in the Champions League, during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, and Spurs won every one of those matches. Dortmund will try to change that sequence in what is their fifth meeting in the competition.

Dortmund’s trips to England have often been difficult in this tournament. The team have suffered defeat in 10 of 14 away Champions League games in the country, winning three and drawing once. Recent visits have been especially tough, with seven losses in the last eight matches and only one victory during that stretch.

Team news offers mixed signals for Kovac before kick-off. Marcel Sabitzer remains sidelined because of a calf problem and is unavailable for selection. However, Ramy Bensebaini and Aaron Anselmino return to the squad, giving Dortmund extra options in defence and across the pitch for a match where tactical flexibility may be vital.

The club also highlighted the shift to the decisive phase of the competition, sharing:

Only league phase matches left! pic.twitter.com/otXf9yU5UuBorussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 19, 2026

With the standings compressed and previous results favouring Tottenham, Dortmund’s response under Kovac will be closely watched across Europe and by supporters in the Middle East.