A little-known Sabah FK of Azerbaijan host Borussia Dortmund for matchday three in the League Phase of the Champions League tonight. The Owls have reached the competition finals for the first time, but here are three reasons why the BVB shouldn't be underestimating them:
1) Sabah are formidable on home turf
Much like Bodo/Glimt, Sabah FK too are a different beast at home. During their qualifier run to reach the League Phase of the competition, the Azeri side won all four games at home, beating The New Saints, KuPS, Aarhus and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. When Slavia Praha came to town on matchday two of the Champions League proper, the Czech Republic side too bit the dust, going down 2-0.
During this splendid run, the Owls scored 14 goals and conceded only twice, both coming against Be'er Sheva in the playoffs with four other teams walking away goalless. It would be remiss of Dortmund to treat tonight's fixture as just another away game. Sabah have consistently made their home advantage count, and it would take something special from the BVB to stop them.
2) Sabah are mentality monsters
Aside from their home form, Sabah boast a strong mindset too, one that has seen them dig themselves out of the grave a few times already in Europe this season.
Having lost 2-1 in Denmark against Aarhus, the Azeri champions responded with a 4-0 rout of the side in the second leg to reach the playoffs in a spectacular turnaround.
In the next round, they found themselves in a similar situation again after losing the first leg against Be'er Sheva 2-1 on the road.
Sabah then fell 3-1 and 4-2 behind on aggregate at home, but scored four goals thereafter, including two in extra-time, to once again produce an epic comeback.
Dortmund cannot afford to rest on their laurels against them even if they are leading. Failure to see the game off would result in another disaster for them here.
3) Dortmund's own sloppy form
Last but never the least, Dortmund themselves are on a downward spiral right now. Much has been made of their attacking woes lately, netting only twice from their last three fixtures in all competitions.
Their passing game has been passive and lacking in imagination, whereas recurring injuries are another issue with Konstantinos Karetsas injuring his ankle at the weekend.
The BVB boast a much better squad on paper, but are arriving into the clash at a vulnerable moment. If Sabah are able to finish their chances while remaining stable in defense, it could be another long night for Niko Kovac's side.
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