Last fall Real Madrid lost a total of five points in the group stage against Borussia Dortmund. The team suffered its only group loss and fought back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw. Back then, the team was in disarray with claims of locker room turmoil between Coach Jose Mourinho and some players. However, the Madrid side entering Wednesday's semifinals contest against Borussia is a very different one. It is a team that has willed itself to victory and has found leadership from its Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
While many would have picked Dortmund to destroy Madrid months ago, it seems that the tide has turned in favor of the Spanish giants.
"I think Real Madrid have the edge, mostly because of the experienced players they have," Bayern Leverkusen defender Daniel Carvajal told Spanish publication Marca. "Both teams play in a similar way. They move the ball quickly and try to get into the opposition's area with just a few touches."
He did note that the German side did present a number of problems for the Spanish giants. "[Dortmund's strength is from] set pieces, with Marco Reus crossing the ball and Mats Hummels or Neven Subotic getting on the end of it, but their strength is the switch from defense to attack, it's lethal," he revealed. "Real Madrid must be careful not to lose the ball in midfield because their front four are very dangerous. Borussia struggle if they don't keep possession."
The two teams meet on Wednesday in the first leg at Dortmund. The second leg takes place in Madrid on April 30.
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