Leipzig host Dortmund with Champions League dreams at stake

BERLIN: Saturday´s clash between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund will not lack any spice despite both sides in the midst of struggling domestic seasons.

Normally a battle between the two sides eyeing Bayern Munich´s crown as Germany´s best, both sixth-placed Leipzig and Dortmund, in 10th, are fighting to be in next season´s Champions League.

Since their promotion in 2016, Leipzig have only once failed to make Europe´s top competition. Champions League finalists in June, Dortmund have not missed out on the elite event since finishing seventh in the 2014-15 season -- which proved to be Jurgen Klopp´s last at the club. Both clubs are heavily reliant on Champions League football from a financial perspective.

But with Mainz and Freiburg well on track for a first-ever Champions League participation, finishing in the top four is a tough target. Speaking with AFP and other media on Thursday, Leipzig midfielder Ridle Baku said his side would thrive with their backs to the wall. “They need to win, we also need to win. But I think these games make us better, because we need to perform 100 percent, otherwise we´re not going to win this game,” he said.

“But I like to have that kind of pressure. I always play better when we have pressure.” Despite their recent struggles in Germany, Dortmund will be buoyed by Wednesday´s win over Lille which put them through to the last eight in the Champions League. Dortmund´s win was built on the dogged determination new coach Niko Kovac, appointed in January, has been known for throughout his career.