Chronicle Editor
Borussia Dortmund will collect their first Bundesliga crown in eleven years if they defeat Mainz at home today.
Dortmund are two points clear of Bayern Munich at the top as they go into the final game of the season.
Bayern head to Cologne needing a win, coupled with a draw or defeat for Dortmund, to hand them an 11th successive German top-flight title.
“We cannot allow this to be taken from us,” said Dortmund sports director Sebastian Kehl.
Kehl, who captained the 2011-2012 team that won the league under former boss Jurgen Klopp, added: “We just have to win one more time.
“Basically I have a good feeling, but I know that we have to perform really well one more time and then we will deserve it.
“When the players ride the bus to the stadium they will be cheered on by the crowds. That will push them.”
While it has been a roller-coaster of a title race so far, with Dortmund and Bayern trading places at the summit several times, if Edin Terzic’s team can finish off the job it will cap a remarkable triumph.
‘The team aspect’ is key
While Dortmund were heavily reliant on Erling Haaland’s goals (62 in 67 league games) in recent seasons, they could become champions without a single player reaching double figures this term.
The season started with new signing Sebastien Haller — brought in to replace the Manchester City-bound Haaland — being diagnosed with testicular cancer in July.
The Ivory Coast forward returned to action six months later after surgeries and chemotherapy and has contributed with seven goals in his past nine games for the club, who still produced enterprising and attacking football in his absence.
Former Dortmund midfielder Paul Lambert, who helped them to Champions League glory in 1997, said: “It was a massive blow to him and the club but the way he has come back has been phenomenal.
Dortmund have also had to contend with constant media speculation over the future of England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is nursing a knee injury and doubtful for Saturday’s title decider. — BBC Sport.
Online Reporter