The pressure is palpable as Borussia Dortmund descends upon Baku, not just for a UEFA Champions League fixture, but for a desperately needed reset. After a string of disappointing results, including a concerning goal drought, coach Niko Kovac has laid down a clear ultimatum: his side must score against Azerbaijani champions Sabah FC.
Key Match Insights:
- Borussia Dortmund enters Matchday 3 aiming to break a two-game goalless streak.
- Coach Niko Kovac demands clinical finishing and quicker play against Sabah FC.
- Despite travel fatigue and key injuries, BVB maintains favorites status.
- Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas anticipates a fiercely determined Dortmund side.
BVB's European Crossroads: A Battle for Momentum
The German heavyweights find themselves in an unfamiliar position, currently languishing 18th in the league phase table with a mere three points from two matches. A 1-0 away defeat to Bodo/Glimt and a frustrating goalless draw in the Bundesliga against Union Berlin have cast a shadow over their European ambitions. This trip to Baku isn't just about points; it's about reclaiming their identity.
Silence in Front of Goal: Kovac's Urgent Demand
Niko Kovac pulled no punches in his pre-match press conference, addressing the glaring issue of Dortmund's recent attacking struggles. "We haven't found our patterns of play in the final third in the last two games, which is why we haven't scored," he stated with firm resolve.
The message is clear: "If we want to win, we have to score the goals. We have to execute those patterns of play much faster, more accurately, and finish more often." The Croatian coach expects a sharp response from his squad.
Navigating the Minefield: Injuries, Travel, and Focus
The journey to Baku is no easy feat, marked by a gruelling five-hour flight and a packed schedule of three away games in seven days. Compounding the challenge are several injury absences, including crucial figures like Konstantinos Karetsas, Emre Can, and Giannis Konstantelias.
Defender Daniel Svensson confirmed his meticulous preparation, highlighting the team's commitment despite the hurdles. Kovac himself stressed the need for fresh legs, balancing rotation with the imperative to avoid complacency against a Sabah side that recently dispatched Slavia Prague 2-0.
Sabah's Gauntlet: Embracing the Challenge of a Wounded Beast
On the other side, Sabah FC manager Valdas Dambrauskas is acutely aware of the formidable task ahead. He believes Dortmund's recent goal drought makes them even more dangerous, a wounded beast eager to unleash its fury. "Dortmund have not scored in their last two games but that just means they will be even more determined," Dambrauskas observed.
He respects their pedigree, acknowledging them as "one of the biggest teams in Germany, one of the biggest teams in the world." His side is "braced for a difficult game," but ready to learn from every Champions League encounter, particularly from Dortmund's "so fast in the press" approach.
