Galatasaray must win in Dortmund to keep alive slim chances


While Germany's Borussia Dortmund have dropped into the relegation places in their domestic league, they will play at home to Galatasaray today looking for a repeat of their 4-0 success in Turkey. Group D's bottom side Galatasaray warmed up for their trip to Germany by coming from behind to seal a 2-1 win at home to Kasımpaşa on Friday, less than a week after the Turkish Toto Spor Lig leaders conceded four goals in a game for the third time this season when they lost 4-0 at Istanbul Başakşehir. The Cesare Prandelli-coached Galatasaray have an impressive record in Germany, winning as many games (five) as they have lost, with the other three fixtures ending in draws. But the Turkish giants have earned just one point from their first three games so far this Champions League season and must win in Dortmund to keep alive their slim chances of repeating last year's feat of reaching the knock-out stage having also made the quarter-finals in 2012/13. Meanwhile, Dortmund have dazzled in Europe this season with an average of three goals per game to top Group D ahead of Arsenal with three straight wins and a perfect nine points. Borussia have beaten Arsenal 2-0 at home, defeated Anderlecht 3-0 in Belgium, then downed Galatasaray 4-0 in Istanbul a fortnight ago. A fourth consecutive win today will confirm their place in the last 16. The 2013 Champions League finalists' European form contrasts sharply to their nightmare Bundesliga run where they have dropped into the relegation zone, struggling in 17th place after the worst start to a league season in the club's history. Dortmund have lost their last five domestic games after being beaten 2-1 by league leaders Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Saturday. With nearly a third of the season gone, they are already 10 points from qualifying for a Champions League place next season, which demands a top-three finish.