Borussia Dortmund target Champions League knockout stage with Milan win

Borussia Dortmund are aiming to secure their place in the Champions League last-16 with a victory at AC Milan, while their domestic form stutters.

Despite languishing ten points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen after just 12 league games, Borussia Dortmund has showcased its prowess on the European stage this season. 

Currently leading their Champions League group, which includes Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Newcastle, Terzic's team has conceded a mere two goals in four matches.

However, their domestic form tells a different story, with Dortmund averaging over 1.5 goals conceded per game in the league. This defensive vulnerability has left them seemingly out of the Bundesliga title race, considering only a third of the season has transpired.

"We were hoping for two or three more points (in the league) at this stage, but the sky isn't falling," CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said at the Dortmund AGM. 

"We are in first place in the (Champions League) group which cannot be over-estimated. The group is fragile and anything can happen.

"On Tuesday, we have a chance to qualify early with a win. I wouldn't have dared to dream of that at the time of the draw. That's the truth."

Edin Terzic, at the helm for almost a year and a half, has faced substantial criticism in Germany, with some advocating for the 41-year-old's removal. 

As Dortmund faces AC Milan, last season's Champions League semi-finalists, the club has an opportunity to silence the critics and shift the narrative by securing progression to the knockout phase. 

The clash in Milan presents not only a chance for European success but also a platform for Borussia Dortmund to regain momentum and confidence in a season marked by domestic challenges.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola: John Stones needs time in the gym before returning for Man City