Champions League: Borussia Dortmund vs Juventus match preview

A look at the runaway leaders of Serie A’s clash with 2013 finalists Dortmund

Juventus forward Carlos Tevez celebrates his goal against Borussia Dortmund in the first leg (GETTY IMAGES)

Two years is a long time in football, and so it has proved for 2013 runners-up Borussia Dortmund. With the likes of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski having departed for fierce rivals Bayern Munich, Jurgen Klopp’s men have endured a nightmarish season, with their recent seven-match unbeaten run finally steering them clear of the relegation zone.

They have at least enjoyed some respite in Europe this season, with their impressive form clinching pole position in Group A.

Juventus have had no such trouble domestically, and currently sit 14 points clear of nearest challengers Roma at the top of Serie A.

This tie adds a little bite, with both sets of fans keenly remembering the 1997 Champions League final when the Germans shocked the Turin giants with a 3-1 scoreline, with hometown boy Lars Ricken memorably scoring with his first touch.

KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 7.45pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS...

Juventus (Tevez, Morata) 2-1 (Reus) Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, February 2015

Juventus (Del Piero) 1-3 (Riedle 2, Ricken) Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, May 1997

Juventus (Del Piero) 1-2 (Zorc, Ricken) Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, November 1995

ODDS: Borussia Dortmund 5/4 Draw 23/10 Juventus 21/10

STATS...

This is the first meeting of the two sides since the 1997 Champions League final.

Carlos Tevez has scored four Champions League goals this term - his first in this competition since 2009.

CLASSIC MOMENT...

With Alessandro del Piero having halved Dortmund’s deficit midway through the second half of the 1997 Champions League final, 20 year-old-Lars Ricken was brought on and immediately made an impact, with the local boy chipping Angelo Peruzzi from 20 yards with his first touch - just 16 seconds after entering the field of play. The iconic moment has become a footnote in Champions League history.

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