–
—
In 1977 Borussia Mönchengladbach was last in the European premier class in the round of 16, now it could be that time again. The Rose team needs one more point on the last qualifying round of the Champions League to be sure – at Real Madrid.
–
Madrid – The starting position is favorable, but the task is enormous: Borussia Mönchengladbach, of all places, has to take the decisive step into the hoped-for Champions League round of 16 at Real Madrid.
As the leader of the group B, the Bundesliga team will take part in the final of the premier class preliminary round on Wednesday (9 p.m. / DAZN). Before the last matchday, none of the four teams in the group have qualified for the knockout round, and all four can still make it. At the same time, Inter Milan plays against Shakhtar Donetsk.
INITIAL SITUATION: League leader Gladbach (8 points) needs a counter in Madrid to safely reach the knockout round on their own. In the event of a defeat against Real (7), Madrid would be further and Gladbach would have to hope for a draw between Inter (5) and Donetsk (7). Madrid have to win to be safe in the round of 16. In the event of a defeat, Los Blancos would fail for the first time ever in a Champions League preliminary round. A draw would only be enough for international Toni Kroos’ team if Inter won. For Gladbach, in contrast to Real, it is clear: The European Cup will definitely continue. If Borussia misses the round of 16, they will play in the Europa League in 2021.
STAFF: Gladbach has considerable worries in the defense. Tony Jantschke is still injured, Ramy Bensebaini is still missing after his corona quarantine. In Nico Elvedi, at least one regular central defender is back after his muscle injury, but whether he can play is questionable. National player Jonas Hofmann is still injured. At Real, defensive veteran Sergio Ramos was specially made fit for the important game.
HISTORY: “We can create something historical for ourselves. We look forward to our task and want to use the starting position for ourselves,” said Borussia coach Marco Rose. It wasn’t pathos, but the truth. In their third Champions League participation, Borussia should go into the knockout round for the first time. In the previous competition (European Champion’s Cup), the five-time German champion was at least five times in the round of 16, in 1977 even in the final (1: 3 against Liverpool).
OPPONENTS: Real Madrid is considered the ultimate in world football, the jersey of the Madrilenians is a myth. “I will never forget the feeling of wearing Real’s white jersey for the first time,” said Uli Stielike, who won titles with both clubs as a player, of the “Rheinische Post” (Wednesday). With 13 “Henkelpötten” Real is by far the record winner in the European premier class. Only: Since the departure of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, Real no longer plays at the very highest European level. For the first time ever, Los Blancos could fail in a Champions League preliminary round. The pressure is immense and this could also cost coach Zinedine Zidane the job.
MONEY: Borussia has earned around 32 million euros in the Champions League so far. In the event of a round of 16, a further 9.5 million euros plus the UEFA point bonuses (900,000 euros per meter) would be added. In the Europa League, Borussia would have to reach the final to earn the same there.
OUTLOOK: The Champions League round of 16 will be drawn next Monday. The game is played in February and March. On the same day, the draw for the sixteenth finals of the Europa League will take place. The first and second legs should then be completed at the end of February.
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201208-99-620862 / 2
– .
