Pre-Match Analysis: First Battle for Champions League Round of 16 Against Lille | OneFootball

After beating Sporting Lisbon in the playoff round, Borussia Dortmund will now face LOSC Lille for the Champions League Round of 16. The French side has guaranteed a better campaign at the League Phase and had a 'bye' while they waited for the next opponent, who ended up being our beloved Black-and-Yellows following a new UCL draw. Therefore, this matchup's first leg will be held tomorrow at the Westfalenstadion, and the French will have the home-field advantage next week.

With the season on the line, Niko Kovač and the boys will attempt to salvage the campaign, trying to emulate last season's magical run to an unexpected European final. With two Bundesliga wins in a row, the Black-and-Yellows arrive with more confidence in this matchup compared to the start of the Kovač era. As the Croatian seemed to have found his preferred starting XI, it is now up to the players to keep competing at a high level.

However, it would be unfair to state that BVB is the clear favorite, also mainly due to Lille's qualities. Despite losing 4-1 to PSG this past weekend, the French club spared some players against the Parisians to face Dortmund in the UCL. It is a side with many interesting pieces, a mix of experience with youth, and a solid defensive line, holding off attacks like Real and Atlético in the League Phase.

If there were to be a favorite, Dortmund would probably be chosen due to its tradition on European soil. Still, BVB's ups and downs this season and Lille's surprisingly positive top-eight campaign make this battle a more even one. Therefore, Borussia Dortmund will need to prove themselves on the pitch if they want to move into the quarterfinals. Here is the pre-match analysis for the first leg between Borussia Dortmund and LOSC Lille: