After a dazzling midweek Champions League triumph over FC Kรธbenhavn, Borussia Dortmund return to domestic duty this weekend with their sights firmly set on maintaining momentum. Niko Kovacโs men, currently fourth in the Bundesliga with 14 points, are gearing up for a vital home fixture against an in-form FC Kรถln side that has been quietly building a reputation for resilience and attacking flair.
The clash at Signal Iduna Park, set for Saturday evening, carries high stakes for the Black and Yellows. Dortmund have been electric in front of their home fans this season โ unbeaten in their last four league games at the fortress and scoring in eleven consecutive matches across all competitions. Still, Kovacโs side faces the challenge of tightening up at the back after conceding in each of their last four fixtures, a weakness that could give Kรถln some hope of a surprise result.
The recent 4-2 victory in Europe showcased Dortmundโs offensive brilliance. Players like Julian Brandt, Serhou Guirassy, and Jobe Bellingham shone brightly, while Gregor Kobelโs leadership between the sticks continues to anchor the squad. However, injuries remain a concern โ Emre Can is sidelined with adductor pain, and Julien Duranville continues his recovery from a shoulder issue.
Kovac, though, remains confident in his sideโs attacking power. โWe are in a good rhythm,โ he said after the midweek win. โNow, the goal is consistency โ both in our pressing and in front of goal.โ His words echo the determination seen in Dortmundโs dynamic play, especially from the young midfield pairing of Bellingham and Nmecha, who have been instrumental in linking defense to attack.
FC Kรถln, sitting sixth with 11 points, arrive in good spirits after a 1-1 draw with Augsburg. Managed by Lukas Kwasniok, theyโve scored in eight straight matches and lost just once in their last five away games. Their attacking trio of Waldschmidt, Kaminski, and Thielmann could trouble Dortmundโs high line if given space.
History, however, favors the hosts โ Dortmund have 53 wins in 128 meetings with Kรถln, including a 4-0 victory the last time they met.
As the Yellow Wall prepares to erupt once more, Dortmundโs mission is clear: turn European brilliance into Bundesliga dominance. A win on Saturday could mark the start of a serious title charge.
