Recalling the night of 25 May 2013, at the iconic Wembley Stadium. The final of the Champions League, contested between German giants Dortmund and Bayern Munich. While Bayern had decimated Barcelona, Dortmund comfortably defeated Real Madrid. Though Bayern edged out Dortmund, for the German fans it was the beginning of German domination in Europe. While Bayern started an era of monopoly in the Bundesliga, losing out star players proved too costly for Dortmund as it slowly slipped out of Europe’s and on multiple occasions struggled to challenge the Bavarians for the German glory.
After Klopp led Dortmund to the Champions League final, not much silverware has come their way
Not among the Europe’s elite anymore
After that final in Wembley, Dortmund has struggled to keep pace with the other top teams in Europe. With stars of that season Lewandowski, Gotze, Hummels, and Gundogan to name a few moving out Signal Iduna Park, and star player Reus spending more time on the sidelines, Dortmund have faded away. Jurgen Klopp also moved to Anfield to rattle the core of the Yellow side. Borussia have never reached the semifinal of the Champions League since then. Last season, Dortmund bowed out of the quarterfinals losing to a spectacular Monaco side. As far as this season is concerned, clubbed alongside Real Madrid and Tottenham in the group of death, the Bundesliga side has lost 3-1 to both the opposition. Real Madrid also tasted first victory at Signal Iduna Park this Tuesday.
Real Madrid have beaten Borussia Dortmund away from home in the Champions League for the first time in seven attempts.
A huge win. pic.twitter.com/8C4uVrz2XH
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 26, 2017
So far so good in the Bundesliga
After a not so great Thomas Tuchel era, Ajax manager Peter Bosz has been given the command of Bundesliga side. While Champions League this season has been disappointing, Bundesliga has been altogether a different story. Bosz’s side are unbeaten in the Bundesliga so far and sit atop the table. Dortmund have scored an impressive 19 times, the famed Yellow Wall has been beaten only once in six games. Even though Dortmund are yet to register a win in Europe, they might have just started on a right note in Germany. Long term monopolist, Bayern have struggled with occasional hiccups so far and Dortmund have taken a 3 point lead.
Teams in the Bundesliga trying to break Borussia Dortmund's defense this season.. pic.twitter.com/f5H4f1zmFy
— BVB Buzz (@BVBBuzz) September 20, 2017
How far are Dortmund expected to move in Europe?
Dortmund are developing a young squad, and new signings highlight the same. Star player Aubameyang was allowed to search for new sides, but the move did not go through. While young star Dembele was replaced by a younger guy Jodan Sancho, making Bosz’s intention clear. Bosz was accredited for leading a young Ajax side to the Europa League final, and has earned himself a name in that section.
Dortmund are focused on youth as they replaced Dembele with Sancho
Though Dortmund were unlucky to find a place in the group of death, but a third place finish in League could not have guaranteed anything better. After losing initial matches, Dortmund would hope for a thumping win against APOEL to get things back on track. Though many expected Dortmund to do better, but the reality is that they certainly find themselves inferior to reigning champions Real Madrid and the high-flying Tottenham Hotspurs. While Spurs have overcome the Wembley woes, Real look nowhere near to stop, in the Champions League at least. In the current scenario, Dortmund find it difficult to move past the group stage. As a win at Bernabeu looks out of contention, beating Spurs would indeed be difficult with Alli also back in squad when they play the return leg.
Bosz could be more than happy with a Bundesliga title
Is Germany bigger than Europe in Bosz’s geography?
Like every season, Bayern were expected to dominate the Bundesliga, but things have changed a bit. With teams like Leipzig and Hoffenheim up for challenge, the Bundesliga is more competitive than ever. If a perspective is to be seen, dismantling Bayern off the German throne would itself be a significant achievement for Bosz’s side. Though Champions League would seem like a day dream, a Europa League crown could well be in range. If Dortmund manage to win both the Bundesliga and the Europa League for that matter, it would be nothing less a big upset for the Bavarians, who may not be the favorites to win the Champions League either. With continuous tensions looming over the Allianz Arena, well this time around a German win could be bigger than European ambitions for Dortmund this time.
Watch out, @FCBayernEN! ⚠️
Can @BVB break Bayern's iron grip on the #Bundesliga crown? https://t.co/wzHlAHdAJq pic.twitter.com/Z9LzWM69xM
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) September 26, 2017
While one can’t simply deny Dortmund’s capability to cause any upset, a trophy could make things better for Dortmund. Fans would prefer a group stage exit along with a Bundesliga crown, rather than a Quarterfinal exit in the Champions League along with a 2nd place finish in the Bundesliga.
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