Of course Jess Thorup watched Dortmund's appearance in the Champions League. How BVB played brilliantly away at Real Madrid for 45 minutes and led 2-0. And just like after the break, the big slump followed and Borussia lost 5-2 to the favorites and record champions. Will this game have an impact on Dortmund's upcoming guest appearance in the Bundesliga on Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky) at FC Augsburg? His coach trusts him.

Of course, the home team themselves are primarily responsible for the outcome of the match, Thorup emphasized when asked about Dortmund's frustration with the premier class – which could only then come into play as an additional factor. “If we get the momentum, for example take the lead, then he can help us.” But we have to work hard to get this momentum first.”

Both teams are under pressure. The BVB around young coach Nuri Sahin – who critics blame for the defeat in Madrid because of his substitutions in the second half – has had an eventful few weeks. In addition to severe defeats like the 1:5 in Stuttgart or the 2:5 at Real, there were also successes like the 7:1 in the Champions League against Celtic Glasgow. The guests from the Ruhr area, with defender Niklas Süle out, have to make sure they don't lose touch with the top spots in the Bundesliga.

In addition, Dortmund are still winless away from home in the championship season. Augsburg also knows such a shortcoming, as they absolutely need points in the WWK Arena at home in order to compensate for their own blatant weakness away from home. So far, the Fuggerstadt team have picked up zero points away from home and a goal difference of 1:11 – all seven points came at home. That might not work out well in the long run, Thorup also admitted.