Borussia Dortmund, the much lesser known team from Germany has just made it into the Champions League finals. They have set up a final clash with German Giants Bayern Munich. It has been a fairytale run for Dortmund. The rise of Borussia Dortmund has happened over the last two years,making their presence known in the Bundesliga.
Borussia Dortmund on the surge
The renaissance started for Borussia Dortmund by the appointment of Jurgen Klopp in 2009.In his first season as Dortmund manager, the club finished on sixth position. Considering that they finished at 13th spot the season before that it is a creditable achievement.
In 2010 Borussia Dortmund finished in fifth place. What was really heartening to watch was the amount of faith he showed in academy graduates like Mario Gotze and Schmelzer. They just grabbed their opportunities in the Dortmund side and they were slowly looking like a team to reckon with. In addition to Gotze and Schmelzer, Borussia Dortmund acquired the services of Shinji Kagawa from Cerezo Osaka and Robert Lewandowski from Lech Poznan. Klopp got good support from the owners too which helped him build a great team. This team already were showing signs of a great team. 2011 and 2012 turned out to be great seasons for the German outfit winning back to back German championships. Kagawa and Lewandowski at the front were busy scoring goals all the season. Kagawa’s good display saw him being signed up by Manchester United. Even then,Dortmund didn’t stop Kagawa was replaced by Reus in the front and their goal scoring instinct became a habit.
The Dortmund side also can boast of an inspiration captain at the back,Mats Hummels. He really is the fulcrum of the Dortmund defence. He has been really ethical in his defending and showcasing his sportsmanship to the maximum in tense situations. Under pressure,one who delivers is called a leader of men. And in that regard you find one in Hummels. In Hummels we could see a future Dortmund legend, provided he thwarts lucrative offers from big clubs. He has been already earmarked by Bayern Munich, along with Gotze and Lewandowski.
Borussia Dortmund Fans- The Secret behind Dortmund’s Success
The most heartening thing about Dortmund however, is their fans. This champions league and even in matches in their Bundesliga they really backed up their team. The fans turned up in large numbers, outnumbering even the home teams on most of the occasions. And we are not talking here about just the matches in the Bundesliga, but also in the Champions League this was very much evident. A club with loyal fans, true support, true love. They are a champions of a varied class – champions for the people.
Borussia Dortmund in UEFA Champions League 2013
When Borussia Dortmund humiliated Bayern Munich in May 2012 it was a gentle remainder that Dortmund are here to stay, and their rise to the top is no fluke. It is about playing consistent football at the top-level. They might not have splashed big money on players or boast of any stars but they surely have a team that can beat the best in the business. They completely showed that in the semi-finals against Real Madrid. Madrid were really over-powered by this German outfit and by the brilliance of their striker Lewandowski. Now,they are just one step away from being crowned the Champions League Final at Wembley. As it has been the case over these years, the fans will turn out in large numbers and create the ‘yellow’ atmosphere it is the players who have to deliver on the given day. They have the talent,the drive and the class to succeed so cometh the day Borussia Dortmund will be there to grab the opportunity.
