The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Borussia Dortmund

  • Struggling Dortmund sack coach Sahin

    Struggling Dortmund sack coach Sahin

    Borussia Dortmund have sacked head coach Nuri Sahin after the 2-1 Champions League defeat at Bologna.

    The German side have lost four successive matches in all competitions since the winter break.

    Defeat to Bologna on Tuesday was their third loss in this season’s Champions League, meaning last season’s runners-up need a result against Shakhtar Donetsk in their final league phase game to have the chance to automatically reach the knockouts.

    A run of three domestic defeats to start 2025 has put them 10th in the Bundesliga, seven points outside the top four and therefore endangering their chances of a return to the Champions League next term.

    “We value Nuri Sahin and his work very much, we hoped for a long-term collaboration and until the end we had hoped that we could achieve a sporting turnaround together,” said Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken.

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    “This decision hurts me personally, but it was unavoidable after the game in Bologna.”

    Sahin, 36, who had two stints at the club as a player, said: “Unfortunately, we have not managed to live up to Borussia Dortmund’s sporting ambitions this season.

    “I wish this special club all the best.”

    Sahin was appointed Dortmund boss in June 2024 as a replacement for Edin Terzic, who left the club following their Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

  • UCL: Real Madrid eye home advantage versus Borussia Dortmund

    UCL: Real Madrid eye home advantage versus Borussia Dortmund

    Real Madrid will be aiming to return to winning form on matchday 3 following their surprise defeat at Lille. The Spanish giants face a formidable Borussia Dortmund side that has been in spectacular offensive form, netting 10 goals in their last two matches. 

    While Real Madrid have secured narrow wins against Villarreal and Celta Vigo since their last Champions League appearance, their performances have lacked fluency , relying more on moments of individual brilliance than on team play. Their Defensive and midfield vulnerabilities have been on show, with opposition teams frequently creating dangerous one-on-one situations against goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

    However, Real Madrid will draw confidence from their stellar home record at the Santiago Bernabeu, where they haven’t tasted defeat in 19 months across all competitions. This formidable streak will provide a psychological boost as they aim to fend off Dortmund.

    Borussia Dortmund, fresh off a 7-1 demolition of Celtic, will need to overcome their inconsistent away form, having suffered recent setbacks in Stuttgart and Union Berlin. Manager Nuri Sahin will look to fine-tune his side, with the memories of their 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in last season’s Champions League final at Wembley still fresh.

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    In what promises to be an entertaining clash, expect a flurry of goals. Real Madrid’s home strength, coupled with Dortmund’s attacking threat, points towards a high-scoring encounter. With both teams capable of finding the net, the prediction for this game leans toward over 2.5 goals. Real Madrid, bolstered by their impressive home record, are favourites to edge out Dortmund.