Tough Test
Munich - Amidst the hustle and bustle of the end of the transfer window and European draws, the business of Bundesliga football returns for matchday two this weekend and champions Borussia Dortmund have another tricky test. Awaiting the Yellow-Blacks are 1. FC Nürnberg and the intimidating atmosphere of the easyCredit stadium.
Tough place to go
Under the stewardship of head coach Dieter Hecking, Nürnberg have become a symbol of Bundesliga stability. Just escaping relegation in 2010 by virtue of a relegation play-off victory over FC Augsburg in 2010, der Club then posted an eighth-placed finish in 2011 and narrowly missed out on the European places in May.
Much of their success has been down to home form, where the supporters of one of Germany's most famous clubs ensure a hostile atmosphere for all visiting teams.
Big '30'
Jürgen Klopp's men started the new season with a 2-1 home win over Werder Bremen last weekend that was solid if unconvincing. The result meant they have now gone an incredible 29 matches unbeaten in the league. They are certain to be in for a stern test to increase that number to 30, however.
Dortmund's young and ambitious side are unlikely to be wavered by the intimídating greeting they receive on Saturday and need only look at heir recent record for a confidence boost. Nürnberg have won just one of the last sixteen competitive games against Dortmund, and are on a run of six straight defeats in the league.
Moreover, Nürnberg were the opponents when Dortmnd secured the Bundesliga title in 2011, their first championship title since 2002 and the first trophy of Jürgen Klopp's reign. Both manager and players will be hoping to call on that type of emotion as they walk out onto the pitch on Saturday.
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