Borussia Dortmund will need more than just a strong mindset to overcome Real Madrid when the two teams clash in the Champions League on Tuesday, according to Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin. The two sides, who met in last year’s final, are set to face off again in the competition’s new league phase. Last June, Real Madrid emerged victorious at Wembley, claiming their 15th European Cup title with late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr., denying Dortmund a potential upset after dominating the first hour of the match.
Sahin emphasized that a purely mental approach wouldn’t be enough to conquer Real Madrid, especially at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home ground of the reigning champions. “Mentality only is not enough to survive against Real Madrid, especially in this stadium, against the champions of this competition,” Sahin stated at a press conference on Monday. “We need everything tomorrow. We need a lot of quality, a lot of self-confidence, mentality of course and also, as we say in Germany, game luck.”
The Dortmund coach stressed that the game must go their way, highlighting that simply relying on mental fortitude wouldn’t be enough to secure victory. “The game has to go our way, so only mentality will not be enough – but of course without mentality we have absolutely no chance here,” Sahin stated.
Dortmund has maintained a winning start to the Champions League campaign, securing a 7-1 thrashing of Celtic at home earlier this month, following a 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in their opening fixture. The team currently sits atop the standings with six points and an impressive nine-goal differential.
Sahin stressed the importance of collective effort against a formidable opponent like Real Madrid. “It’s only possible (to continue this way) as a collective against this team,” he added. “The lads know what we have planned for tomorrow. We want to be brave and build on the last two games in the Champions League.”
This match will be Sahin’s first visit to the Bernabeu as a coach, following his appointment as Dortmund manager last summer. The former Turkey midfielder served as assistant manager under Edin Terzic prior to taking the reins.
Returning to the Santiago Bernabeu holds a special significance for Sahin, who dreamt of playing for Real Madrid during his youth. His son was born in the Spanish capital, and he’ll be by his side for this momentous occasion. “(Being back at the Santiago Bernabeu) means a lot to me because it was always my dream to play one day for Real Madrid. My son was born in this beautiful city, and I have him with me (here),” Sahin shared. “Now I have the privilege to be tomorrow on the sideline with my childhood club against one of my biggest dreams, so it means a lot to me.”
Even though his time at Real Madrid was relatively short, Sahin emphasized its enduring significance in his life, both professionally and personally. “Even if it was not that long that I played for Real Madrid, it will always remain special for me. Not only for footballing reasons but also family-wise, it’s a fantastic thing to be here.”
Sahin’s journey with these two clubs is intertwined, having been signed by Real Madrid from Dortmund in May 2011. He later went on loan to Liverpool in 2012 before returning to Dortmund on loan in early 2013. His return to Dortmund was made permanent in April 2014.