One goal, two legs: Ponferrada face Dortmund again

1-0 is the margin Ponferrada must overturn across a two-legged UEFA Champions League semi-final, beginning at home on 30 April. Borussia Dortmund won the clubs’ only previous meeting this season by that score, Andreas Altenhöfer scoring on 88 minutes in January. The return is at Dortmund on 6 May; the winner reaches the final.

For Ponferrada, this is another chance to turn a European campaign into something larger than survival among the continent’s established names. Their recent Champions League story has included difficult nights, but also the progress that carried them here. Edmar Drummond Borges, whose move from Lyon was reported in February after a win over the French side, is expected to start in midfield. Fran Belmonte, injured with a broken lower leg, is not expected to feature; forward Federico Rocchi is also injured.

Dortmund are expected to leave Altenhöfer out of the starting side despite his goal in the earlier meeting. Sadio Keita is forecast to take his place, with Marvin Kiala another threat from wide areas.

Ponferrada’s goalkeeper Michele Cenderelli and centre-back Jaime Camacho have been in strong recent form, but the home side’s expected starters are carrying tired legs. Against a Dortmund team also showing signs of a demanding schedule, the first leg may hinge on who can keep their composure when the tie’s narrow balance is tested.