Borussia Dortmund gathering pace ahead of key Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League showdowns
Borussia Dortmund’s remarkable run of good form has come at a crucial time for Niko Kovač’s men. With just two defeats since their DFB Cup exit in early December, the Black-Yellows are set for a season-defining period with four crucial games in a two-week span…
The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League runners-up host Italian outfit Atalanta in a tough play-off round clash under the Signal Iduna Park lights on Tuesday before their return leg in Bergamo on 25 February as they look to secure a place in the last 16.
In what could prove to be a decisive period in their season, a trip to Leipzig is sandwiched by their European endeavors before a home instalment of Der Klassiker against Bayen Munich on 28 February.
Come the end of the month, Dortmund could well find themselves attacking on all fronts, or eliminated from the Champions League and potentially 12 points behind leaders Bayern. For now, though, optimism reigns supreme at the Signal Iduna Park.
Watch: Something brewing in Dortmund
Back on the goals trail, Serhou Guirassy’s return to red-hot form couldn’t have come at a better time for Dortmund. With just one goal in 12 games across all competitions, the Guinean’s brace against Heidenheim on Matchday 21 recalibrated his shooting boots.
Bringing a new-found confidence, Guirassy finished clinically from close range to secure Dortmund a late victory over Wolfsburg before continuing his purple patch of form with two strikes against Mainz on Matchday 22 to return five Bundesliga goals in his last three outings.
Flourishing again, the 29-year-old’s goalscoring exploits could prove pivotal to victories against Ole Werner’s Leipzig - who have conceded 12 goals in their last five games at the Red Bull Arena while winning just three of their last nine Bundesliga games - and Bayern as the Black-Yellows look to establish themselves as genuine Meisterschale contenders.
Watch: All of Guirassy's Bundesliga goals
Breathing down Bayern’s necks, six successive victories have enabled Dortmund to reduce the gap at the top of the Bundesliga from 11 points after Matchday 18 to just six with 12 games to go.
And should Dortmund beat Leipzig and Bayern lose against Eintracht Frankfurt, who secured their first win under Albert Riera against Borussia Mönchengladbach last weekend, then Kovač’s charges will go into their clash against Germany’s record champions just three points behind.
After Bayern dropped points against Augsburg and Hamburg, Dortmund are poised and ready to capitalise on any further slip-ups from Vincent Kompany’s men.
In addition to Guirassy’s uptick in form, BVB’s continued upward trajectory is down to their steely defence, and a rejuvenated Felix Nmecha who has established himself as an integral part of his side’s fortunes this term, both in Germany’s top flight and the Champions League.
Dortmund’s number eight has produced some of his best displays in European competition this term, striking three goals in eight Champions League appearances - notably sending a first-time shot from the edge of the area past Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio before netting a brace against Copenhagen as his side finished the league campaign in 17th, setting up the Atalanta tie.
Starting 19 of his 22 Bundesliga appearances and seven of eight in this season’s Champions League, Nmecha has been near ever-present this term. The Germany international is a player whom Kovač relies upon, and he’s truly delivered in the engine room of Dortmund’s midfield.
Nmecha’s Bundesliga stats speak for themselves. His pass completion (87.41 per cent) and duels won (175) are only bettered by Waldemar Anton in the Dortmund team, while only his Germany compatriot and Daniel Svensson have covered more ground than Nmecha (212.9km) this term.
“He's a very attentive player who tries to implement everything immediately. A meticulous worker, a total professional, and a great person. He will certainly improve even further,” Kovač said in October.
Primed for a difficult clash against Italian opposition on Tuesday, Guirassy’s return to form has been aided by Julian Ryerson’s playmaking exploits. Dortmund’s Norwegian defender registered four assists against Mainz, laying on a brace for his Guinean teammate.
And with 12 assists across the Bundesliga and Champions League this term, Ryerson has become Dortmund’s unsung hero. Grabbing the headlines while steering clear of the limelight, the 28-year-old cuts a humble figure within the squad.
“It’s not all that difficult. I just have to place the ball in the right spot. The others finish it off,” he joked following Dortmund’s assured 4-0 victory over Mainz to keep the pressure on Bayern.
Watch: Ryerson's four assists against Mainz
Ryerson makes up one-fifth of Dortmund’s backline, which has been transformed since the arrival of Kovač just over a year ago. Often famed for their attacking prowess, BVB’s rediscovered defensive solidity under the Croat is one of their standout features.
Unbeaten in 15 Bundesliga matches, only Bayern (19) have conceded fewer than Dortmund (20) in 2025/26 and as the old adage in football goes, attacks win you games but defences win you titles - which could prove to be vital across Die Schwarzgelben’s next four games.
Without Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle for Tuesday’s meeting with Atalanta, Dortmund’s task is inevitably harder, but a place in the last 16 isn’t completely out of reach. Kovač’s men are unbeaten in their last seven home Champions League knockout legs and a result against the Serie A side will give the Ruhr club a platform to build upon.
Calling on support from the famous Yellow Wall, Kovač, who remains focused on the task ahead, said: “We want our fans to help us carry this momentum.
“In the knockout stages, it's all about progressing to the next round, but we can't do that by talking a lot now; we have to work hard on the pitch.”
As Dortmund enter a potentially season-defining period, it’s imperative they maintain this energy and complete focus as they look to deliver silverware for the first time in five years.
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