Sports
Can Niko Kovač Lead Dortmund Past Sporting Lisbon?
Borussia Dortmund is under the guidance of their new coach Niko Kovač. On Tuesday, they will play against Sporting Lisbon. The match is the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 play-off. Kovač is a seasoned veteran with 28 appearances in the competition as both a player and coach. He aims to blend his tactical expertise with Dortmund’s rich tournament history. His goal is to secure a positive result. The match kicks off at 9pm CET. All eyes will be on how Dortmund responds after a recent setback in the Bundesliga.
5 Reasons Why Dortmund Can Overcome Sporting Lisbon
- Niko Kovač’s Tactical Acumen: Kovač’s experience in the Champions League and his ability to adapt tactically could prove crucial.
- Dortmund’s European Pedigree: As last season’s Champions League finalists, Dortmund have the experience to navigate high-pressure knockout ties.
- Serhou Guirassy’s Form: The striker is joint-top scorer in the tournament with nine goals. He is level with former Dortmund star Robert Lewandowski.
- Sporting’s Inconsistency: Despite a strong start, Sporting have struggled for form since losing coach Ruben Amorim to Manchester United.
- New Signings Ready to Shine: Daniel Svensson and Carney Chukwuemeka could make their debuts, adding fresh energy to the squad.
Recent Form and Team News
Dortmund’s new era under Kovač began with a 2-1 home defeat to VfB Stuttgart. The performance drew praise for its intensity. It also earned commendation for the effort displayed. Defender Waldemar Anton scored an own goal in that match. He highlighted the team’s determination. Kovač remained optimistic, stating, “The result was the only thing I didn’t like; the rest was completely fine.”
The squad sees the return of Niklas Süle. Injuries to Felix Nmecha (knee) and Ramy Bensebaini (muscular issue) have opened the door for new signings. Daniel Svensson might start for the first time. Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to join the matchday squad for the first time.
Dortmund’s focus on European competition has often brought out their best this season. They finished 10th in the league phase. Despite this, they are still one of the tournament’s top scorers with 22 goals. They are second only to Barcelona (28).
Sporting Lisbon’s Challenges
Sporting started their season strongly. They defended their Portuguese title. They made waves in the Champions League. Their success was largely thanks to Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres. However, their form dipped significantly after Amorim’s departure. Sporting are now under their third coach this season, Rui Borges. They have stabilized and are unbeaten in their last four games across all competitions.
In their recent 1-1 draw with Porto, Iván Fresneda gave Sporting the lead. However, a late equalizer complicated matters. Red cards for Matheus Reis and Ousmane Diomande added to the complexity. Midfielder João Simões suffered a knee injury but is expected to recover in time for the Dortmund clash. However, captain Morten Hjulmand will miss the first leg due to suspension.
Sporting have never won a knockout tie against German opponents in European competition. Historically, they finished 23rd in the league phase of this season’s Champions League.
Key Players to Watch
- Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund): The joint-top scorer in the tournament, Guirassy will be crucial to Dortmund’s attacking plans.
- Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting): The Swedish striker has been instrumental for Sporting and will be their main threat.
- Daniel Svensson (Dortmund): The new signing can make his first start, adding depth to Dortmund’s midfield.
What’s at Stake?
For Dortmund, this match is an opportunity to reignite their season and prove their credentials as a European powerhouse. For Sporting, it’s a chance to overcome their historical struggles against German teams and make a statement in the competition.
The two sides are preparing for Tuesday’s clash. The stage is set for a thrilling meeting. It hinges on tactics, individual brilliance, and the ability to handle pressure. Will Kovač’s Dortmund rise to the occasion, or will Sporting’s resilience see them through? Only time will tell.
