Champions League II: Borussia Dortmund

Champions League II
Borussia Dortmund
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Nicholas Kuhn contributed two more assists during the 6-0 win v St Johnston on Saturday


Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
Tuesday, 1 October 2024
20.00 BST

Celtic return to action tomorrow evening, seeking to maintain their perfect record in what will be their toughest test yet, when they take on last season's Champions League Finalist, Borussia Dortmund.​

The Hoops got off to the ideal start in the new look 'league phase' of this competition two weeks ago, with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, but there is no mistaking how difficult this next challenge will be.

Friendlies aside, Celtic are seeking a first competitive win on German soil in any UEFA tournament, and while there have been a number of draws over the years, all too often trips across the Continent have ended in disappointment.

Even allowing for the superb form this season - indeed, the Hoops are undefeated across all competitions, including friendlies, since March - undoubtedly Celtic will be the underdogs going into this game. That said, however, it is not beyond the realms of possibility, and even good reason to believe, the Bhoys could spring a shock tomorrow.


Liam Scales has been man of the match in each of Celtic's last two Champions League outings.​

Who are Borussia Dortmund?

BvB are one of the genuine powerhouses of the Bundesliga, having won the title 8 times, in addition to their 1996/97 Champions League triumph.

More recently, in 11 of the past 12 seasons they have progressed beyond the Group Stage of the Champions League - including twice reaching the Final, in 2013 and again last season, where they lost to Real Madrid.

Those efforts to reach the Final came at a cost though, as Nuri Sahin's side finished 5th in the Bundesliga, almost 30 points adrift of champions, Bayer Leverkusen.

On Matchday 1 of this competition, they were being held to a 0-0 draw by Club Brugge until 15 min from the end, when substitute Jamie Gittens inspired them to finish, 3-0.

While the hosts are clearly an attacking side deserving of respect and are well suited to and experienced at this level, they can be potentially got at.


Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1996/97

So far this season it has been far from smooth sailing. Those worrying league stats from last season speak volumes, but the more immediate form over the past few weeks could potentially hold the key for the Celts' gameplan.

The hosts recorded a 4-2 win over Heidenheim a few weeks ago, but this was followed by them being thrashed 5-1 by VfB Stuttgart, and on Friday they had to claw their way back from 2-0 down to win 4-2 against VfL Bochum.

The bottom line in all that is while it is 2 wins from those 3 games and 9 goals scored, it is also 9 goals conceded, equally highlighting their attacking threat and their defensive struggles.

A closer examination of these games could hold the key for Rodgers and the Bhoys, as they make their preparations for this game.

While many observers will have the hosts as strong favourites, especially given their pedigree and experience, but there is that element of reason for why Celtic can be optimistic ahead of this clash.


1987: Roy Aitken and BvB's Frank Mill before the first ever meeting between these sides

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Even though these teams have met on 4 previous occasions, tomorrow will be the first clash between them for more than 30 years.

Celtic were victorious, 2-1, in the first ever encounter in the 1987/88 UEFA Cup, before Borussia Dortmund won the return leg, 2-0, to progress.

It was in the same competition five years later in 1992, when these two teams next went head to head, but considering the turmoil that Celtic were in both on and off the park, it was no surprise that the German side were victorious over both legs (1-0, 2-1).

Overall
P:4 W:1 D:0 L:3

By the Numbers​

• Celtic are currently on a run of 21 games undefeated across all competitions since March, including winning each of their first 9 matches this season.

• The Bhoys have scored 5 or more goals in each of their past 3 games.

• The Hoops are seeking their first 'Away' Champions League win since 2018.

• BvB have won their last 6 straight at home and are undefeated at home since April.

Kyogoal! The Japanese striker scored twice and an assist in the 6-0 win v St Johnstone

Team News

Brendan Rodgers main injury concern remains centred on defender Cameron Carter-Vickers (foot), with Auston Trusty likely to continue in his place alongside Liam Scales if Carter-Vickers is unavailable, but for the most part the manager has only positive selection headaches considering the form of so many of his players, especially in midfield.

As for the hosts, there were concerns regarding Jamie Gittens after he went off with cramps on Friday, however it has been reported that he should be OK for tomorrow. Elsewhere, the progress of Marcel Sabitzer and Gio Reyna are being closely monitored after they have resumed training before a final decision is made.

The German side have favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation this season, although they did utilize the 4-3-3 system at times during last season's Champions League run.​

Referee: José María Sánchez (ESP)

In addition to the 185 La Liga games and previous Champions League experience, the 40y.o. Spaniard has only once previously officiated Celtic, which resulted in a 1-1 'Away' draw with Stade Rennais, in the 2019/20 Europa League group stage.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:1 W:0 D:1 L:0

VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)


~~~~ Against German Opposition ~~~~

Overall
P:24 W:4 D:4 L:16

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~

All Comps
W W W W W ~ W L W W D​