Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel is hopeful his side can repeat their feat of beating Sporting CP in the Champions League group stages during their clash on Wednesday evening.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, as reported by theclub'swebsite, Tuchel understands that it will not be easy for his side at theWestfalenstadion on Wednesdayand his Dortmund side will have to be at their dazzling best in order to gain three points and achieve qualification to the last 16.
He said ahead of the game:"We want to build on the away victory, if possible by winning at home. But we know how difficult it was to get that victory in the first match."
Dortmund secured victory in the first encounter with two first half goals from Pierre-EmerickAubameyang and Julian Weigl, which was enough to see them secure a 2-1 victory.Tuchel,however, is keen to emphasise that his team didnot have it all their own way in the first tieand is very aware of the threats Sporting CPpossess.
This has been reiterated by Dortmund midfielder Gonzalo Castro, who stated the threats of their next opponentin the pre-match conference:"We saw in the first game that Sporting have a lot of quality going forward with Bas Dost and their quick players on the flanks. We can take nothing for granted!"
Borussia Dortmund have gone 4 Bundesliga games without a win for the first time under Thomas Tuchel. pic.twitter.com/w9matzbO5U
Andre Schurrle,Raphael Guerreiro and Castro have each returnedto the Dortmund squad after their respective injury layoffs, and it's likely to give the starting XI a much needed boost going into thefixture.
However,with injuriesto key Dortmundplayers such as Shinji Kagawa and a viral infection makingLukasz Piszczek'sinvolvementdoubtful, it is likely to be another very close tie with both teams desperate to pick up points in the quest to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.