Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Club Brugge: Three takeaways from BVB’s Champions League opener
By Joseph Meyer
We’re still learning what to expect from the new format
In any recent season, this would have been a big victory and acted to set the stage for a rematch at home. Both teams’ coaches would have used this match as a tactical example to prepare for the second game within the group stage. Now, however, Borussia Dortmund can simply put this game behind them; it was a difficult win, but it secured three points on the road and we won’t be playing Brugge again, at least not in the league phase.
With a table of 36 teams, and just eight matchdays, there will be a maximum of 24 points up for grabs. With such a small maximum point accumulation, goal differential will surely come into play, breaking ties in the table as the league phase concludes. While the result of the BVB might have been harsh to Club Brugge, the three goals could be important in growing a positive goal differential across the competition, especially when a team like Bayern Munich scores nine in their opener. Goal differential could play a decisive factor in both advancement and the subsequent knockout seeding.
What’s most important about this win, is that it was on the road. The away games in the Champions League are difficult no matter the opponent, but BVB showed maturity in closing this game out once they took the lead.
Next up, BVB will host Celtic, a wildcard team from Scotland. The last time Borussia Dortmund played Celtic, Michael Zorc scored in a 2-1 win and the first cell phones hadn’t been released yet: 1992. This should be an exciting match.
All in all, this looks like a statement win and will be important for morale as Dortmund try to replicate last year’s run to the Champion’s league final. Thankfully we’re here for the journey.
Still confused about the new format? Find out all you need to know about it here.
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