Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Niko Kovac said Borussia Dortmund are confident of making it two wins from two in their Champions League campaign, though he remained cautious of Bodo/Glimt.
Dortmund began their European adventure for 2026-27 with a 3-2 win against Villarreal, with their next match seeing them make the trip to Aspmyra Stadion on Wednesday.
BVB come into the clash following a 2-2 draw with Werder Bremen last Friday, a result that saw their 100% start to the Bundesliga season come to an end.
The only previous meeting between Bodo and Dortmund came in the Champions League last season, with the two sides playing out a 1-1 draw in December 2025 in Germany.
Bodo were thumped 5-0 by Bayern Munich on MD1, but they will be confident of their chances against BVB, despite failing to win any of their four European matches against sides from Germany (D2 L2) to date.
Dortmund have lost their last three away games in the Champions League. If they lose here, they would equal their longest away losing streak in the European Cup/Champions League (four losses on two occasions, between 1956 and 1958 along with 2019 and 2020).
Kovac highlighted Bodo’s giant-killing run to the Champions League round of 16 last season, when they dumped out Serie A giants Inter in the play-off round, as something he was aware of, adding he would not be taking his Norwegian opponents lightly.
“They’re especially dangerous in the final third. They’re a team that’s been playing under the same coach for many years,” Kovac said.
“They’re doing really well, especially at home. There have beaten some big-name teams here, and many have seen how difficult it is to play here.
“We know it’s going to be a really intense game for us. But we’re feeling confident and believe we have what it takes to win the game.
“Nothing is easy, though, especially not in the Champions League.”
Off to Norway! https://t.co/E6R2r7xE9q
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) October 13, 2026
Bodo’s last two games in the Champions League have both been defeats by five goals. The last side to lose three consecutive matches by 5+ goals in the European Cup/Champions League was Maltese outfit Rabat Ajax in September 1986 (three).
On the other hand, of the teams to participate in the last two editions of the Champions League (2025-26 and 2026-27), Dortmund have the highest shot conversion rate in the competition (19.5% – 25 goals from 128 shots), though it is in defence where they have a notable absentee.
Nico Schlotterbeck was not included in Dortmund’s travelling party despite playing against Bremen after returning from international duty early with an injury.
Kovac confirmed the decision was to manage the defender’s minutes, while the Dortmund boss revealed that both Julian Ryerson and Carney Chukwuemeka were available.
“After his injury with the national team, we got him back quickly. He played in the last game,” Kovac said of Schlotterbeck.
“But this match isn’t ideal for his ankle. We discussed with the medical staff that he will not be playing.”
UEFA Champions League News
Gasperini pokes at Mourinho’s spending as Roma prepare for Madrid
UEFA Champions League News
Iraola maintains ‘100% trust’ in Liverpool duo Wirtz and Barcola
UEFA Champions League News
Emery determined to turn home advantage into first Villa Park win
UEFA Champions League News
PSG hunting down Champions League three-peat
UEFA Champions League News
‘It is still his house’ – Maresca welcomes Guardiola’s Man City return
UEFA Champions League News
‘What do you want us to do?’ – Maresca defends Man City’s Anfield celebrations
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
