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St. Petersburg (AP) - BVB goes to the group final of the Champions League on the stick.

Almost a complete team has to pass for the game on Tuesday (6:55 p.m. / DAZN) at Zenit St. Petersburg.

Nevertheless, the Bundesliga club from Dortmund wants to finish the preliminary round as leaders.

INITIAL SITUATION: With a win, the Revierclub (10 points) would be sure to win the group.

Otherwise, in view of the lost direct duel with pursuers Lazio Rome (9) in St. Petersburg (1), he cannot do any worse than the Italians in the home duel with Bruges (7).

“It might be better for the round of 16 draw to be number one,” commented coach Lucien Favre.

Finally, BVB would then meet a group runner-up and would have home rights in the second duel.

Two years ago, however, BVB retired as group winners in the round of 16 against the eventual finalists Tottenham Hotspur (0: 3/0: 1) without a sound.

STAFF: Until a few days ago, the injury pitch at BVB was limited.

But now the tight schedule is taking its toll.

In addition to the long-term failures of Erling Haaland, Thomas Meunier (both torn muscle fibers) and Marcel Schmelzer (rehab after knee surgery) and Reinier, who is not yet fit after corona infection, Thomas Delaney (back problems), Raphael Guerreiro (muscular problems), Manuel Akanji (knee problems), Mahmoud Dahoud (sick) and Mateu Morey (muscular problems).

Nevertheless, licensed player boss Sebastian Kehl made the team responsible: "We absolutely want to try to remain leaders in this group."

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RECORD CHANCE: A good two weeks ago he made headlines as the youngest professional in Bundesliga history with his short stint in the game at Hertha BSC at the age of only 16 years and one day.

17 days later, Youssoufa Moukoko can hope for a similar record in the Champions League.

The great shortage of personnel increases the chances of his debut.

This would replace the previous record holder Céléstine Babayaro.

Babayaro played for Anderlecht in a 1-1 draw in Bucharest on November 23, 1994 at the age of 16 years and 87 days.

Between the lines Favre promised Moukoko to work: "We need more runs in depth and speed."

TRAVEL PLAN: In view of the ongoing corona pandemic, BVB has changed the usual itinerary for Champions League games.

Both the final training and the final press conference did not take place the day before in St. Petersburg, but in Dortmund.

"Sweating", which is compulsory for the game day, takes place in the hotel.

In order to have as little contact with the outside world as possible, the Dortmunders decided not to look for a training place.

After the final whistle, it goes straight from the stadium to the airport.

Due to the night landing ban in Dortmund, the return flight ends in Paderborn, the scheduled landing is at 2.15 a.m.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201207-99-607804 / 3

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UEFA press kit for the game

The youngest professionals in the Champions League on the UEFA website

BVB travel plan