What Happened
Borussia Dortmund is set to face Atalanta in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs following a 2-0 victory in the first leg. The team has confirmed that both Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are included in the 23-man squad for the match in Bergamo, Italy. Their participation comes after both players trained ahead of the game, although their starting positions were still uncertain as of the latest updates.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of Emre Can is significant for Dortmund as he is regarded as a key leader on the team. Coach Niko Kovač emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum from their first match and highlighted Can’s ability to energize the squad during this crucial week, which also includes a high-stakes Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich. The return of both Can and Schlotterbeck enhances Dortmund’s defensive options against Atalanta’s attacking threats.
What’s Next
Dortmund will assess the fitness and tactical needs of both players before making final decisions on their starting lineup. The outcome of this match could have implications for their progression in the Champions League and their standing in the Bundesliga, as a win would narrow Bayern’s lead in the league.