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In one of the weekend’s more exciting clashes, Borussia Dortmund will take on RB Leipzig. Dortmund are currently languishing in the fifth position in the league but can still qualify for the Champions League. Leipzig, on the other hand, are bound to finish second after losing pace in the title race.
The consequences of Borussia Dortmund missing out on the UEFA Champions League next season could be immeasurable. Not only will the club take a hit financially if they are unable to qualify for the competition, but it could also potentially lose star players Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland in the upcoming transfer window. As it stands, Dortmund look to be heading towards that scenario.
However, as is often the case in Germany, the riches that come from qualifying for the Champions League don’t necessarily prevent a team from losing their best players. RB Leipzig are a perfect example of the same.
Despite making it to the semi-finals of the competition last season, and nearly qualifying for it again this year, Leipzig are set to lose several of their prized assets. Promising defender Ibrahima Konate is expected to join Liverpool, while Bayern Munich has already snapped up centreback Dayot Upamecano and head coach Julian Nagelsmann. More players could follow them out of the door.
The onus, when the two teams meet on the weekend, will be on Dortmund. Edin Terzic’s side is not yet out of contention for one of the UCL spots. They trail fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt by one point and third-placed Wolfsburg by two. However, Dortmund have some challenging fixtures coming up. Following their match against Leipzig, they will face a resurgent Mainz and later Bayer Leverkusen.
Key Players
All of Europe’s elite are currently circling Dortmund in the hopes of Erling Haaland to their club next season. However, the German giants are defiant about keeping the Norwegian striker in North Rhine-Westphalia for yet another campaign. And why won’t they be? Haaland has been sensational since signing for the club in January 2020. He has scored 53 goals in 56 appearances in the same period, 37 of which have come this season alone.
One prospect who Dortmund might not be afraid to let go is Jadon Sancho. The Englishman was heavily courted by Manchester United last summer, although a move did not materialize. It is expected that he leaves the club this season, with the Red Devils again among his admirers. As such, Dortmund will hope to derive as much as possible from the England international in his last few months at the club. Sancho has contributed heavily to the team this season by scoring 12 times and providing 18 assists in 34 matches.
Emil Forsberg: Leipzig have been unable to replace last season’s top scorer Timo Werner adequately. With their current set of forwards not as lethal as their predecessor, the entire team has picked up the goal-scoring responsibilities. One of the players who has been heavily involved in the goals recently is Forsberg. The Swede has nine goals and five assists across all competitions this season but scored Leipzig’s last two matches.
Dani Olmo: The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has played many roles for Leipzig, since signing for them last season from Dinamo Zagreb. He has grown as a player after a slow start and is currently one of the key members of the squad. Olmo has scored just four times this season, out of which only three have come in the league. However, he has had a hand in 12 assists for his team, constantly providing a creative threat up front.
Prediction
It hasn’t been the season Borussia Dortmund had hoped for. Despite signing Haaland last January and keeping hold of their key players, the German giants fell some way short of a title challenge. As a consequence, they risk losing their spot as the second biggest team in German to their next opponent, RB Leipzig.
Julian Naglesmann’s parting gift to Leipzig, before he departs for Bayern Munich in the summer, is a Champions League group stage spot for next season. It could’ve been much, much more had the team not faltered in recent weeks. They were unable to take advantage of Bayern’s slip-ups and could see the Bavarians officially crowned as champions this weekend. A loss to Dortmund would confirm that outcome.
While Leipzig do not have much left to play for, Dortmund are fighting for a place in the Champions League next season. Edin Terzic’s team are fifth, one point behind Eintracht Frankfurt in fourth, and need to win all of their remaining matches to stand a chance at making it to the premier tournament. However, Leipzig are a much better and cohesive unit at the moment and will be the favorites to take all three points from this match.
