“Deceptive result”: Kehl warns BVB ahead of fiery clash with Atalanta | OneFootball

After the 2-0 victory in the first leg, Borussia Dortmund heads into the return match at Atalanta Bergamo with a good starting position. However, sporting director Sebastian Kehl warns BVB of the tough challenge ahead and demands full concentration.

Despite a promising position with the 2-0 win in the first leg, Borussia Dortmund is approaching the return match of the Champions League playoffs at Atalanta Bergamo on Wednesday with great caution. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl made it clear that the lead must not lead to complacency. “We know it will be extremely difficult in Bergamo. The 2-0 is a deceptive result because an early goal there can change everything immediately,” Kehl emphasized on Sky.

The Dortmund team can expect an intense atmosphere in northern Italy. Kehl anticipates an emotional setting and demands maximum concentration from the team. “We have to prepare very well and be sharp,” said the 46-year-old. The match has the highest priority for the club: “For the club, for everyone involved, it’s an important game. We shouldn’t feel too safe.”

The clear focus on the Champions League is also a result of the recent Bundesliga match at RB Leipzig, where BVB managed to come back from a 0-2 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw. The late equalizer by Fabio Silva at least secured a point, but Dortmund was still mostly frustrated about a controversial scene shortly before the end.

Adeyemi Incident Causes Uproar at BVB

Karim Adeyemi went down in the penalty area, but the whistle didn’t come. “A disgrace,” commented defensive chief Waldemar Anton on the decision. He added: “I’m not someone who often says something against the referee. But in this situation, it’s very, very bitter, because it was a very, very decisive game.”

Photo: IMAGO

Nevertheless, coach Niko Kovac highlighted his team’s morale, which once again showed comeback qualities. This resilience is now expected to be decisive in Bergamo as well. Kehl made it clear that the full focus is on the international competition and not on the upcoming Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich. “We want to advance one round further in the Champions League, that is now our clear goal.”

If they progress, BVB will face a real acid test in the round of 16—either against the German record champions from Munich or against Arsenal FC. However, the prerequisite for this is a concentrated and stable performance in Bergamo, where Dortmund wants to hold on to their lead until the end.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.