Just four months ago in the second round of the DFB Cup, Dortmund faced second-division side Union Berlin and advanced after a nervy encounter which went to penalties. This Wednesday (20:45 CET), BVB are back in action against another club from the capital – Hertha BSC. This all-Bundesliga affaire will see Hertha seek revenge for a painful defeat…
Last April, Dortmund denied Hertha a first DFB Cup final in front of their home fans at the Olympiastadion, as they were beaten convincingly in the semi-finals by Thomas Tuchel’s men (3-0). “It was a horrible feeling, I can say that much,” said Blue-White striker Vedad Ibisevic. “The game meant so much to the people in the city, and that’s how things turned out.” Ibisevic, who has as combined 15 goals and assists in 31 cup games, says the team was “over-motivated”. Hertha will want to learn from and remember the past, but at the same time take on BVB with clear minds.
"We need a united team performance,” acknowledged Hertha’s Maximilian Mittelstädt. “We have to work for each other, thereby ironing out the mistakes, then we’ll have a chance in Dortmund.” Coach Pal Dardai announced he will “rotate a little and maybe switch two or three positions.” The first candidates for this are Germany U21s international Niklas Stark and Per Skjelbred, who were on the bench for their side’s 1-0 win against Ingolstadt at the weekend.
Dortmund’s World Champions only on the bench?
After their convincing win against RB Leipzig on the last Bundesliga matchday, BVB are the favourites for this one. Against Die Roten Bullen, Dortmund’s attacking stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Marco Reus impressed, as their side’s also got the balance between defence and attack spot-on. In the whole game, they limited Leipzig to just two shots on goal.
Regarding his team selection, Tuchel is spoilt for choice. After regaining a couple of key men - Reus from injury and Aubameyang from the Africa Cup of Nations – Tuchel has a large squad at his disposal. What’s more, in the shape of Mario Götze, Andre Schürrle and Matthias Ginter, he has three World Champions to choose from, as well as Shinji Kagawa and Christian Pulisic, all of whom only sat on the bench for the weekend’s match. Tuchel will however have to do without the injured Sven Bender and Nuri Sahin, but 17 year old starlet Alexander Isak received permission to play last Thursday. For Hertha, Germany U21s international Mitchell Weiser will sit out, while Salomon Kalou is a doubt.