Borussia Dortmund 7-1 Celtic: Three takeaways from dominant win in the UEFA Champions League

Borussia Dortmund made a statement as last year’s runners-up: They’re here to compete

I’m still not completely sure what to expect from this continued league phase in the new-look UEFA Champions League, but I’m certain of one thing, and that’s six points and a nine-goal positive goal-differential from two games is fantastic.

It makes Borussia Dortmund look strong in relation to many of the other teams competing. Neither Brugge nor Celtic were pot one teams, but Borussia Dortmund showed the competition they’re a step above. With a trip away to Real Madrid looming in three weeks, these six points are vital in maintaining a competitive position, even if BVB drop points in Madrid. That match will be the toughest no matter how we look at it.

This is a big win, not just for Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League positions, but also for Nuri Sahin, and his players’ confidence. The 1-5 loss to Stuttgart was hard to swallow, and that was less than two weeks ago. Perhaps the comeback against Bochum helped inspire some of that confidence, but I hope to see it continue.

I’ll leave you with some basic logic: Celtic defeated Slovan Brataslava by four goals. Manchester City defeated Slovan Brataslava by four goals. Borussia Dortmund defeated Celtic by six goals. Make of that what you will.