If the 2018/19 season is one characterised by ''a fresh start'' for Borussia Dortmund, then the same applies to the UEFA Champions League. After a disappointing performance last season, the Black and Yellows are aiming for one of the top two places in Group A. The name of the game? Make it past Christmas!

Facts on the encounter

  • Borussia Dortmund and FC Brugge are going to head to head for the third time in European competition. Previous encounters in 1987 and 2003 burn brightly in the memory due to the dramatic fashion in which Borussia Dortmund were eliminated on both occasions. In 1987, a 3-0 advantage from the first leg wasn't enough to see BVB through. In the second leg, a late penalty from FC Brugge's Van der Else brought the match to 3-0 and forced extra time, with Brugge ultimately winning 5-0. In a UEFA Champions League clash in 2003, goals from Amoroso and Ewerthon were enough to balance out a 2-1 first leg defeat. With some help from the referee, Borussia held Brugge to a goalless extra-time period and the tie went to penalties. Bergdölmo and Amoroso both missed from 12 yards out as BVB went out.
  • Despite these disappointments in 1987 and 2003, Borussia Dortmund have since fared better in Belgium, winning 1-0 in Genk in 2004 and 3-0 away to RSC Anderlecht in 2014.

FC Brugge Facts

  • The club won it's 15th Belgium title last season, thereby securing a place in Europe's elite competition for the second time in the past three years. It's the sixth time they've participated in the competition in total.
  • Including qualification matches, the Belgium side have failed to win any of their last ten matches in the UEFA Champions League. They've drawn one and lost nine.
  • The last time Brugge won a group phase match was back in November 2005, when they beat Rapid Vienna 3-2 at home.

Borussia Dortmund Facts

  • BVB have gone six games without a win away from home in the UEFA Champions League (two draws, four defeats). The last win was in October 2016 at Sporting Lisbon. (br)