Kovac Aims for a Completely New Approach Against FC Barcelona in Second Leg

Synopsis

Borussia Dortmund's coach Niko Kovac is determined to present a renewed performance against FC Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, following a heavy defeat in the first leg. The match will take place at Signal Iduna Park, and Kovac emphasizes the importance of starting strong.

Key Takeaways

Dortmund needs to win by four goals to force extra time.
BVB has a strong home record in Champions League matches.
Kovac calls for a different attitude from his players.
FC Barcelona remains unbeaten in competitive matches this year.
Importance of fan support highlighted by Kovac.

Dortmund, April 14 (NationPress) FC Barcelona dominated the Borussia Dortmund squad during their decisive win in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Head coach Niko Kovac aims for his team to present a completely different performance when they welcome Hansi Flick’s squad for the second leg at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday (IST).

FC Barcelona triumphed in the first leg with a score of 4-0, necessitating that Borussia Dortmund win by a four-goal margin to push the match into extra time. BVB has emerged victorious in seven of their ten previous knockout rounds against Spanish teams, yet they have never overturned a first-leg deficit greater than two goals in their European history.

"We understand the circumstances. We are determined to display a completely different attitude tomorrow compared to the first leg and aim for a victory. Miracles do happen, but we also recognize that Barcelona has not been defeated in any competitive match this year," Kovac stated during the pre-match press conference.

The Black & Yellows have lost just one of their last 17 home matches in the UEFA Champions League, achieving 10 wins and six draws during this period. Their goal differential stands at 34-10, and they have conceded goals in only six of those 17 home games. FC Barcelona remains unbeaten in their last 15 away matches across all competitions (12 wins and three draws) since their 1-0 defeat in San Sebastian on November 10, 2024.

The last encounter between these two teams at the venue occurred only four months ago, with Borussia Dortmund suffering a 3-2 loss on Matchday 6 of the group stage. Kovac emphasized the need to start strong from the very first minute of the match.

"We must engage from the first minute tomorrow and rally the support of our fans. Our performance, commitment, and passion will be essential in gaining the necessary momentum from them," he concluded.