Borussia Dortmund prepare for crucial clash

Borussia Dortmund will take a 3-2 lead to Italy as they face Atalanta, in the second leg of their round of 32 contest.

The first leg was an explosive affair which ended with Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi scoring a 91st minute winner to put the Germans in the driving seat.

Dortmund are unbeaten in their last eight games and were victorious in the Borussen Derby where they beat Borussia Monchengladbach 1-0 at home.

The goalscorer that day was captain and talisman Marco Reus, who could feature against the Italian outfit in what would be his second appearance in European football this season.

Despite an eight game unbeaten run, some may argue that Atalanta’s two away goals may even make them the favourites to progress to the next round.

Gian Piero Asperini’s side were impressive against the Bundesliga side and did lead the contest 2-1, after Josip Ilicic scored two goals in five minutes just after half time.

They also have an excellent record in the Europe League this season and were also coveted by some as being the dark horses to win, after easily navigating their way through a tough group containing Lyon, Everton and Apollon Limassol.

Atalanta are 8th in Serie A and drew their last match 1-1 when they took on Fiorentina at home.

The blues will also be confident ahead of this game, and if the first leg proves anything it is that this Dortmund defence is fallible to error.

BVB are yet to keep a clean sheet in European competition and went out in the group stages of the Champions League; therefore Atalanta will be confident that they can get a 1-0 lead which will put them through to the next round.

But, the Germans are also 19 points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich which means the Europa League represents Stoeger’s side’s only real chance of a trophy this season.

It is highly unlikely that Dortmund will travel to Italy with the intention of just simple defending their 3-2 lead, and with Michy Batshuayi in form it is likely that there will be goals in this game.

The Belgian has been in fine form in Europe this season scoring four goals for Chelsea and current club Borussia Dortmund.

They will be relying on his goals to push them over the line.

The omens do not look promising for the German outfit, as they have not won away in Italy since a 1-0 win against AC Milan in 2003.