CHAMPIONS LEAGUE / BORUSSIA DORTMUND – REAL MADRID
The German midfielder, speaking exclusively to the bwin online gaming platform, discusses the upcoming Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, as well as offering a run-down of his life as a Real Madrid player.
As Real Madrid travel to Germany to play their next Champions League match, Sami Khedira, who has established himself as one of José Mourinho’s main men in the centre of the field, discussed the prospect of getting on the score sheet, “I was fortunate enough last year to have that experience and I always have the urge to score, but it’s not easy. I would be happy to be able to score the goal that gives us the win and if it’s in Dortmund, so much the better,” the German said.
Khedira has settled quickly into life in Madrid, a city that “I like a lot” and credits his national teammate, Mesut Özil with helping in the process. He holds Özil up as “one of the best players in the world in his position” and it is perhaps because they are such good friends that he is happy to offer advice, “He’s still got room for improvement in some aspects. He knows it and I also tell him! With his quality, he is among the best in the world”.
The upcoming encounter with Dortmund is one of the most difficult fixtures in the Group D, although Khedira would not go so far as to classify them as their clear rival for first place. “Borussia are a great side, but so are Manchester City,” said Sami, “they gave us a very hard time in the first match, when we won in the final minute”. Even so, he does highlight the importance of the clash. “If we win in Dortmund, we will clearly have taken a big step towards winning the group,” he stated.
Khedira is returning to one of the stadiums he played at during his time at Stuttgart, the Westfalenstadion. “It is a special moment because the atmosphere is unique; perhaps one-of-a-kind in Germany. Playing at Signal Iduna Park is always a lovely experience, as it has a special atmosphere that is perfect for the Champions League,” says Khedira.
In assessing Dortmund, the midfielder highlighted their organisation as “a compact side with a very disciplined block that plays at a good pace for the full 90 minutes. Despite being a side without much experience in the Champions League, they’ve got great quality, especially in attack. Borussia are a very good team” he concludes.
Current odds at bwin (odds subject to change)
Borussia Dortmund 3.40 Draw 3.60 Real Madrid 2.00
Championship Winner
Barcelona 3.45
Real Madrid 3.80
Bayern Munich 9.00
Manchester United 12.00
