‘Revenge Mode’: Borussia Dortmund vows to comeback against Barcelona

Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund are not giving up on their UEFA Champions League chances despite losing the first leg of their quarterfinals clash against Barcelona 4-0.

Barcelona produced an impressive performance in the first leg to put on foot in the semifinals. However, after a thrilling 2-2 scoreline with Bayern Munich this weekend, Dortmund manager Niko Kovac believes his team can go all out to shock Barcelona.

Head Coach Niko Kovac of Dortmund hopeful of making a comeback against Barcelona (Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)

Kovac stressed the importance of playing with belief. “For me, it’s about going into the game with the intention of winning it and showing at home that we can stand up to Barça,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Interestingly, this belief within the club goes beyond the coaching staff and players.

After Kovac’s comments, sporting director Sebastian Kehl expressed the same optimism, admitting that the internal review of the loss to Barcelona was harsh.

However, he did praise his side’s defensive effort against Bayern as a major improvement, something that will be key in the second leg.

“Thursday’s analysis was very critical, but here—against Bayern—we defended ourselves very well,” he said.

Meanwhile, club legend and current director Lars Ricken also made an emotional appeal.

“It would probably be the greatest football miracle in Borussia Dortmund’s history. But we owe it to the fans: we have to give everything. And the goal has to be to win,” he noted.

Ricken shared his delight about how the players bounced back against Bayern and even suggested they have what it takes to get revenge on Barcelona.

“I think the team will get their revenge,” he added.