Despite the disappointment of Bayern Leverkusen being on the brink of exit from the Champions league at the last 16 stage, German soccer has reasons to smile about after Borussia Dortmund managed a very impressive 4-2 win over Zenit St Petersburg in their match. This away win has given Borussia Dortmund a huge advantage and has almost put to them into the quarter-finals. Despite this, manager Jurgen Klopp refuses to entertain any complacency as a result of this scoreline.
He says that the tie still remains on balance and his team will be fully focused on getting the job done in the return leg at home. German teams have been extremely strong in the Champions league over the last few years. Despite their struggles in the domestic competition, Dortmund are looking to go one step further this campaign. Klopp’s men reached the final last season when they were defeated by rivals Bayern Munich.
Dortmund are not considered as one of the favourites for this year’s title, but the absence of having to fight against Bayern Munich in the league might actually help them in this regard. Dortmund are third in the table, but just one point behind second placed Leverkusen. They will be hoping that this impressive win acts as a springboard for the rest of the season.
“It was clear to me that my team would produce a reaction. My team can never be accused of going about their business without showing some character, but we still have work to do in the second leg. We were close to optimal this evening – it was a great game, no question. I don’t have the feeling that it was easy, I think we had to work very hard,” said Klopp.
After going through a difficult period in January, Dortmund have lost just once in the last five matches.