On Wednesday evening, Borussia Dortmund dispatched PSV Eindhoven 2-0 at the Westfalenstadion to book their place in the Champions League quarterfinals. This ensured that they would join Bayern Munich, who overcame a first-leg 1-0 deficit to progress past Lazio with a 3-0 win at the Allianz Arena the week prior.
For the first time in three years, two German sides have made the last eight of the Champions League. However, with the draw taking place later today, would facing each other be the most appealing prospect for each side?
Currently, there are no sides left in the competition that would be regarded as easier opponents. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético de Madrid are the three Spanish sides remaining in the competition, offering difficult ties for anyone who draws them.
While some may consider Atléti to be the more comfortable draw on paper, taking on any Diego Simeone side is never an easy task. The mind games and antics deployed by his side only play in their favour, and whether Bayern or Dortmund would be able to live with them is unsure based on their performances this season.
This then leaves three other sides. Reigning European champions Manchester City are undeniably the favourites to retain their trophy, while Arsenal have shown vulnerability against Porto. Regardless, Mikel Arteta’s side have shown their consistency and quality domestically, currently residing at the top of the Premier League table.
Therefore, with PSG the only team remaining, BvB may consider returning to the French capital as a preferred draw. A dull affair in Paris saw PSG run out 2-0 winners, but Die Schwarzgelben proved they could put up a fight against the French champions with a 1-1 draw at the Westfalenstadion.
For the black and yellows, facing Der Rekordmeister is never an ideal scenario, and perhaps PSG would offer them a greater chance of progression. But this Bayern side is not the same side that have tormented Dortmund previously.
It may be five years since BvB beat Bayern, but if they are going to face them, this would be their greatest opportunity, especially considering there would be no Bayern fans in attendance for the fixture at the Westfalenstadion. As for Bayern, they will undoubtedly fancy their chances against Edin Terzić’s side.
Dortmund, on paper, appear to be the weakest side left in the competition. As well as this, Bayern have perhaps found their form over recent weeks, and over two legs against Dortmund, they may prove to be too much.
Nonetheless, as previously mentioned, there are no favourable ties. All the sides left have their strengths and weaknesses, but for the neutral, Bayern vs Dortmund would make for fantastic viewing.
GGFN | Will Shopland
