Dortmund face striker problem ahead of Atletico clash

Release time：2024-05-22 06:11:19 Source：Horizon Herald news portal

Borussia Dortmund are facing a striker problem ahead of their delicate UEFA Champions League duel against Atletico.

While Germany international Niclas Fullkrug seems stuck in a performance low, Ivorian attacker Sebastien Haller is sidelined due to an ankle injury. Reports suggest the 29-year-old is in danger of having to miss the rest of the current season.

Borussia Dortmund's Sebastien Haller scores a goal during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal 1st Leg football match between Atletico de Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, in Madrid, Spain, on April 10, 2024. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

The poor performance level of youngster Youssoufa Moukoko is increasing the 2012 German campions' troubles upfront.

Fullkrug has not scored for the past nine games, but the forward remains Dortmund's top marksman, having harvested 11 goals aside from eight assists.

While finding themselves in a tight race in the Bundesliga for one of the four Champions League spots, Dortmund must make up for a 2-1 loss in the first leg against the robust Spanish side.

The latest win in the Bundesliga against Borussia Monchengladbach is delivering additional confidence.

Despite the possible losses on home soil, coach Edin Terzic is optimistic of reaching the semifinals this Tuesday evening.

"We need to show our best face. But we have done that in the Champions League several times this season," the 41-year-old stated.

Terzic spoke about a mental and physical challenge when crossing swords with the Spanish side.

"We often talk about their physical power but as a fact, they are one of the teams having scored the most goals in the Champions League next to Manchester City," Terzic added.

The Dortmund coach mentioned the importance of reaching the next round "as it might be a sign for players, they can be part of a Champions League semifinal wearing our shirt."

The duel against Atletico is Dortmund's first European quarterfinal in three years, and they have not reached the semifinals since 2013.

Dortmund's record against Spanish sides is looking positive, with six wins from eight duels.

Terzic hailed Atletico's achievements, "as what Diego Simeone has set up over a long time is something very special."

To successfully play football on that high level is a role model for Dortmund, he added.

The key to success is bound to "getting our game through and keep up the pressure over 90 minutes or more," the BVB coach said.

"We have a goal ahead of us. The semis are something we want to reach and that is triggering ambitions for us," Terzic said.

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