Tailwind on the outbound flight, tailwind on the return flight. The "Heroes of Madrid" have now been back in Dortmund since 13:30 CET. They were joined on the team airbus with flight number EW1909 by Supervisory Board member Peer Steinbrück.

Speaking in an interview, the former Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia and Federal Finance Minister lauded the team's outstanding character.

What were your impressions of the match in Madrid?
There was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and the team demonstrated their outstanding character to come back from two goals down in this stadium and against this opponent, a team that plays with such technical perfection. It was a great match and a great performance.

Who would you like to face in the last 16?
I hope that we are given Benfica or Porto when the draw is conducted on Monday. Sevilla would be much more difficult. And after the experience against Liverpool I don't want another English team.

How often do you manage to see Borussia each season?
Of the 17 home games I usually make it to seven or eight, as well as the away match in Berlin, as I sometimes live there and sometimes in Bonn.

What are you expecting from the team this season?
I hope that they continue to compete at the top. I don't believe that Hoffenheim and Leipzig will manage to keep up their current form, even if they do have the advantage of not having to play in midweek.
Interview: Boris Rupert