• Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund, Champions League preview

Klopp: Dortmund will not freeze in the Bernabeu heat

ESPN staff
April 30, 2013
Robert Lewandowski scored four in the first leg to put Borussia Dortmund in a commanding position over Real Madrid © Getty Images
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Jurgen Klopp says his young Borussia Dortmund team will not freeze at Real Madrid despite the historic nature of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final.

Dortmund are 4-1 up from the first leg and have not lost to Jose Mourinho's men in three Champions League outings this season. Klopp has stated that the return game at the Bernabeu will result in a momentous occasion regardless of the outcome.

"In football, everything is possible," Klopp said. "Something historic will happen tomorrow. If we get to the final it will be historic. If we get knocked out, that will be historic too. Our main concern is that we focus."

When asked whether there was a danger his team could "freeze", Klopp was emphatic: "No.

"Last season we were the big opponents of Bayern Munich. They wanted to beat us in this game [the DFB-Pokal final], they wanted to beat us all season. My team was pretty cool in this moment [Dortmund won 5-2]. The only way to reach your dream is to [be] brave.

"It's no problem to lose the game because it could happen of course. It's only interesting what you invest in the game. That is what is important for us. They cannot fail. They can only give their best."

Dortmund have already detained Madrid at the Bernabeu when drawing 2-2 in Spain during the group stages in November, and Klopp has maintained that his side will not play defensively this time around.

"Real Madrid can pose us trouble, we know that. But we also have great potential, attacking potential. We proved that in the first leg. We'll see whether we need it but it is clear we have the necessary strength.

"The important thing is balance in football, between defence and forward. When we attack, we all attack when we defend, we all defend. I don't have any problem with that. That plan is applicable to all matches.

"We know we are not a normal semi-finalist and will behave accordingly. It is great to reach the semi-final already and we will act with humility."

One to watch

After scoring four goals in the first leg and attracting a multitude of speculation over his future, Robert Lewandowski will be back in the spotlight tonight.

The striker showed devastating prowess to put Madrid to the sword last Wednesday night and given half a chance at the Bernabeu, the Polish forward is in the sort of the form that could see a repeat performance to break the hearts of Jose Mourinho and co.

Real Madrid need their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo more than ever © AP
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Key Battle

Cristiano Ronaldo has had no problem finding his shooting boots for the home side this season, having scored 48 goals in 51 appearances so far this campaign.

With Madrid trailing a three goal deficit, there is no doubt that they will be looking to their star performer to step up and take the game to the yellow-clad Dortmund, despite missing Saturday's 2-1 victory over rivals Atletico Madrid through injury.

Klopp's defence must be on song to stop Ronaldo becoming Madrid's saviour if they are to hold out and advance to the final.

Prediction and bet

Jurgen Klopp has stated that this tie will be historic whatever the outcome. His side are riding the crest of a wave, while Mourinho's future at Madrid remains in doubt following speculation of a return to former club Chelsea.

Madrid have it all to do and will no doubt push forward from the off, but their defence is the worst of the four teams that remain in the competition. That considered, we can see the home side taking the lead but surrendering to their opponents on the counter-attack.

Despite Dortmund's domination last week, they are as big as 9/2 to win the match with bet365, a price far too tempting with the vulnerability of the Madrid backline.

With that in mind, we expect Madrid to come out strong but could prove shaky on the break; Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime and Dortmund to win 3-2 is 45/1 with the company.

Final score: 2-3

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