Borussia Dortmund's recent 4-0 triumph over Villarreal has put them in a strong position for automatic qualification to the Champions League's last 16. Nico Schlotterbeck emphasised the importance of securing two more wins to ensure their spot. Dortmund currently holds fourth place in the 36-team standings, having accumulated 10 points from five matches.
Schlotterbeck highlighted the significance of their goal difference and clean sheet, stating, "We have now also scored four goals. I think having such a goal difference can also do us good in the end. And for the first time, we have now kept a clean sheet. " This victory marked an improvement for Dortmund, who had previously conceded many goals in the competition.
Their remaining fixtures include
home games against Bodo/Glimt and Inter, as well as an away match with Tottenham. Schlotterbeck believes that winning both home games at Signal Iduna Park will secure their progression. "There are now three games left, two of them at home. I think if you win both at home, you're through," he stated confidently.
In Tuesday's match, Serhou Guirassy was instrumental, scoring twice. His second goal came after his penalty was initially saved. Karim Adeyemi and Daniel Svensson also contributed to the scoreline. The team capitalised on Juan Foyth's red card to dominate Villarreal in what was their most impressive performance so far this season.
Dortmund's performance improved significantly after half-time. They managed only four shots and 0.87 expected goals (xG) in the first half but increased this to nine shots and 3.16 xG in the second half following Foyth’s dismissal. Schlotterbeck praised this turnaround and acknowledged Guirassy’s patience and contribution.
"We came out of half-time better, which was important," Schlotterbeck noted. He commended Guirassy for his perseverance despite challenges, saying, "Serhou didn't have an easy time either. He gets the trust from us and that's where you have to be as a striker. "
Upcoming Challenges
Dortmund is set to face Bayer Leverkusen twice next week—first away in the Bundesliga on Saturday and then at home in the DFB Pokal's last 16 next Tuesday. These matches will test their form as they aim to maintain momentum both domestically and in Europe.
Last season, teams like Bayer Leverkusen, Lille, and Aston Villa secured top-eight finishes with 16 points during the league stage of this competition. Schlotterbeck estimates that achieving between 16 to 17 points should suffice for Dortmund this year.
