January 21, 2025. 10:00 p.m. Bologna. “Renato Dall’Ara”
Champions League, 7th day
Bologna
Bologna are going through a difficult season in Europe: having suffered four defeats in their first six games, the team currently has only two points in the standings. The ‘Rossoblu’ have reached the heights of European football for the first time since the 1964-65 season, having finished fifth in Serie A last season. Under new coach Vincenzo Italiano, the team’s inexperience at this level becomes evident, making it difficult for them to compete in both Serie A and the Champions League. This season, Bologna have scored just one goal in the Champions League while conceding seven, making them the least productive team in the tournament. The “Rossoblu” now only have theoretical chances of reaching the knockout stages.
In the domestic league, Bologna have significantly improved their performances, accumulating 33 points from 20 league matches – a better performance than last season under Thiago Motta. Last week, the “Rossoblu” drew against Inter (2:2) and beat Monza at home (3:1).
“The match against Borussia will be our last home match in the Champions League, and we have set ourselves the goal of achieving a victory. We will do everything in our power to achieve this and hope that our fans will support us in this approach We are doing well, and I am satisfied with our progress, thanks in part to the Champions League. I will try to do something extraordinary against a very strong team. I get chills just thinking about it. what could happen if we get a positive result,” Italiano said.
“I believe Bologna have improved a lot, especially in terms of physical condition. I am very happy with the progress of each player. I think the match in Lisbon against Benfica demonstrated our progress in this competition. Which match would I like to play again ?The one against Shakhtar? If we had gotten a good result, it could have given us a little more confidence and self-respect. Our goal for the rest of the season is to try to stay in Europe. Italiano.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia is going through a difficult time. Nuri Sahin’s side have lost their last three Bundesliga matches against Bayer, Holstein and Eintracht. “The atmosphere in the dressing room was better before,” admits defender Nico Schlotterbeck. Kicker notes: “The match in Bologna is a final. The club is hoping for winter transfers.”
There were no days off for the team after their 0:2 defeat in Frankfurt on Friday. On the contrary, the players worked diligently, as the pressure on the club increased after this third consecutive defeat. Ahead of the Champions League match against Bologna on Tuesday, everyone at the club is under pressure, especially coach Nuri Sahin. “For us, Bologna is very immediate and nothing else. Nuri always has our support and will continue to have it. We need victories and a taste of success,” said sporting director Lars Ricken.
-However, if Borussia loses again on Tuesday, Sahin will struggle to maintain his position. The name of Erik ten Hag – a former associate of external adviser Matthias Sammer at Bayern – has been circulating in Dortmund as a potential successor since he was spotted at the stadium during a match against Leverkusen. Without a doubt, a decisive match awaits Sahin and the entire club.
For Sahin, these discussions are not a surprise: “I know how the job works. I will advance until the last day.”
The German team is four points away from reaching the round of 16. Borussia has two matches remaining – against Bologna and Shakhtar…
Bologna vs Borussia Dortmund: Predicted line-ups
Bologna vs Borussia Dortmund: Author’s Prediction
In 2025, Bologna played three matches, winning against Monza and drawing twice with a score of 2:2 against Roma and Inter. Borussia lost all three matches during the same period, putting coach Nuri Sahin’s position in jeopardy. It’s no secret that the atmosphere in the team’s locker room has deteriorated, as Nico Schlotterbeck publicly stated.
When they meet, Bologna will play for the club’s honor, and all the pressure will be on Borussia. I am convinced that the visitors will make mistakes, and Bologna, who have gained confidence and courage, will be able to stop their third top team in January.
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