All eyes will be on Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, whose team is set to face his former team Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion for an all-important Europa League quarterfinal first leg encounter, Thursday. It is a pity that the two massive clubs are facing one another in the quarters, as the match has all the ingredients of a spicy Europa League final.
It is going to be an emotional night for Klopp, but he is a thorough professional and we shall wait and watch what transpires during the night. Though one may want to shift the focus on the two teams set for a thrilling clash, Klopp, being the common factor, hogs the limelight.
Borussia Dortmund are huge favourites not only to emerge triumphant against Liverpool, but are looked upon as the top contender for Europa League title this season. Dortmund showed their class in their last Europa League game against Tottenham Hotspur, who are second in the EPL standings. Dortmund demolished the English team 5-1 (aggregate score), and if Liverpool do not come with their A game, Klopp's return to Dortmund might be catastrophic.
Liverpool come into this Europa League, defeating their age-old rivals Manchester United, scoreline reading 3 -1 (aggregate). It was a result, which showed Liverpool's ambition, and their players stood up during the fixture to take Reds to the round of 8. If their players come up with a similar game against Dortmund, Liverpool could take a crucial lead in the first leg.
Dortmund, after defeating Spurs, have looked mighty strong in the Bundesliga, where they stand five points away from the top. They have defeated FC Augsburg and Werder Bremen in their last two fixtures, and will be keen to maintain their winning momentum in the Europa League as well.
Liverpool, on the other hand, drew against Spurs, and lost against Southampton after going 2-0 up. Their game against Southampton reflected Liverpool's inconsistent defence, which has led to some silly goals. If Liverpool gives them easy chances at goal, Dortmund will punish them from all quarters. Roberto Firmino remains doubtful for the huge encounter due to hamstring problem.
Irrespective of the match result, neutral fans are expected to enjoy the game, which is expected to be top-notch with quality players in both sides.
Borussia Dortmund vs Liverpool schedule
Venue: Westfalenstadion
Date: April 7
Time: 9:05 a.m. local time (12:35 a.m. IST, 7:05 p.m. GMT, 3:05 p.m. ET)
TV listings: India: Ten Action and Ten HD. Germany: Sky Sport 1. The UK: BT Sport. The US: Fox Sports 1.
