The opening match was quite a spectacular performance, with Borussia scoring six in Warsaw as they recorded their biggest-ever Champions League win. On Tuesday evening (20:45 CET) Thomas Tuchel faces his first home game in Europe's elite club competition. There is great respect for the opposition – and an even greater sense of anticipation.

Real Madrid is "the biggest name in world football", said Thomas Tuchel, adding: "There will be an incredible atmosphere in the stadium. We believe that we can take on the task at hand and put in an exciting performance for our fans."

A "normal" performance might might not be enough to get the better of the star-studded cast from the Spanish capital. But Borussia Dortmund have proven in the past that they are more than capable when Real Madrid visit the Strobelallee. It goes without saying that Los Blancos would rather not be playing in a stadium where they have lost on each of their last three outings – with a 8-2 goal difference in BVB's favour.

"It will never be completely error-free"

The coach is demanding that his players show "the same courage as a Bundesliga match, the same conviction," but he is also granting them "the same freedom" and knows "it will never be completely error-free".

The coaching staff have analysed the opponents in meticulous detail. "We have been trying to analyse the games regardless of the results, to discover patterns and to work out the strengths that we need to defend against," said Tuchel, who continued: "We want to recognise defensive processes to give our players a helping hand out there."

"We need to be completely switched on"

There won't be too much room to play with up top, and they mustn't leave too much space at the back either. "It will be a major challenge for us to stop their supply line through to the forwards," said Tuchel of Real's attacking play. He continued: "This is the very top level. We need to be completely switched on, put in a lot of hard work, dedication and show real solidarity in the team."

If everyone plays their part, there is a chance of continuing their home run. Tuchel believes firmly in that, saying: "At the moment this team is radiating a real positive energy that will help them focus on the task at hand and play as a unit at a high level.“
Boris Rupert