The former Black Yellows midfielder admitted the tough draw his former team will have to tackle in the UEFA Champions League group stages, but wants them to pull off a shock win at the hands of the La Liga giants.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904 international attacker Lars Ricken is hoping that Borussia Dortmund will make it past the Group D of Europe’s Premier club competition. He believes that the Borussians will pull of a major victory over the Spanish
giants after the disappointments of the past.
Die Borussen were placed alongside Los Blancos, Ajax and Manchester City in the ultimate group. The draw was held in Monaco on Thursday. The BVB tasted Champions League honour in 1997 when they got the better of Juventus by winning
3-1 in Munich. Ricken was one target that day and is worried about his team’s chances this term.
The former Champions League medallist said that they face a very hard task in the upcoming competition. He claimed that Madrid are the most prestigious club in the world and City have also developed a good repute over the years
along with Ajax, who are also former winners of the historic tournament.
"This is a hammer-group; it could not be tougher for Dortmund. We need not talk about Real Madrid. Manchester City have been upgraded in recent years and Ajax are also a top team," he noted.
The Westfalenstadion outfit came fourth in the groups last year and the club has a tougher group this time around. The 36-year-old claims his former club is ready for the challenge.
"It is even more difficult than in the previous season. But there is no whining in Dortmund."
Ricken was never lucky enough to win against the La Liga champions and that is the sole reason why he wants the German team to avenge the team of that era.
"I cannot remember a great game against Real Madrid," he reminisced.
"For example, the dramatic 1998 [Champions League] semi-final, and in 2003, we suffered against Madrid. Therefore Dortmund has a score to settle with Madrid," he concluded.
However, Matt Hummels is confident ahead of the draws and stressed that they can qualify for the next round.
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