It might have been eerily silent at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon when Borussia Dortmund began their final training session at 19:07 local time, but by this time tomorrow, 55,000 fans will have transformed it into a cauldron of noise. Keeping a cool head is therefore the top priority for the 11 Black and Yellows who take to the field in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last 16 first leg.

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Thomas Tuchel and his assistant Arno Michels

Boris Rupert reporting from Lisbon

Borussia Dortmund are preparing to face a Portuguese opponent in European competition for the third time in the space of 12 months. "They are undoubtedly the most difficult of the three," declared captain Marcel Schmelzer, who added: "We know what we're in for."

Benfica currently sit atop the Portuguese league, just one point ahead of FC Porto, whom Borussia faced in last season's UEFA Europa League campaign (2-0 victory in Dortmund, 1-0 win in Portugal), and ten in front of Sporting Lisbon, who were in BVB's group (1-0 win in Dortmund, 2-1 triumph away). But despite their domestic dominance, the two-time European Cup winners (1961 and 1962) only just made it through to the knockout stages, picking up fewer points than any other team in the last 16.

Borussia Dortmund, by contrast, are lacking the consistency of last year's Bundesliga campaign but beat Real Madrid to top spot in Group F and set a new European goal record as they cemented their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League. "There are no favourites in this tie," said Thomas Tuchel. "It will be a big challenge for us to face this big, proud club tomorrow, and it feels brilliant to be playing against Benfica in this stadium and in this atmosphere."

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Marcel Schmelzer

The coach has warned of a "very offensive-minded team that links up at speed, attacks with fluidity and gets their timing right" when it comes to occupying positions. "At the same time they defend very tightly, very compactly and high up the pitch. We're expecting a complete opponent and will need to defend with a lot of heart, passion and solidarity," Tuchel concluded.

Tuchel's charges will be hoping to replicate their European, rather than domestic, form at the Estádio da Luz tomorrow night. "We believe we can put in a great performance. We believe we can find solutions to win here tomorrow," said the coach, before adding: "We have proven what we're capable of over the course of this Champions League campaign."

Marcel Schmelzer was slightly more cautious with his choice of words. But then again, he is a defender. "We want to get a good result here to take home with us," said the captain, who concluded: "Our aim is to come out on top in these two games and reach the next round."