Borussia Dortmund has issued a strong statement criticizing Italian authorities for disproportionate actions against German fans ahead of the return match against Atalanta Bergamo. Some fans were denied entry to Italy, while others were harassed by police at their accommodations. This situation casts a shadow over the sporting competition in the Champions League play-off phase, where Borussia is defending a two-goal lead, fighting to enter the round of 16.

Diplomatic crisis in Bergamo

Borussia Dortmund officials accuse Italian police of intimidating fans and unjustified entry denials into the country.

Juventus's impossible mission

The Turin team must overcome a three-goal deficit against Galatasaray to avoid embarrassment and elimination from the Champions League.

Fear of a domestic clash

Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the round of 16, but its players publicly declare they want to avoid drawing Bayern Munich.

The atmosphere ahead of the return clash in Bergamo has deteriorated sharply following reports of restrictive actions by Italian security services. Borussia Dortmund described the measures taken by the police as "incomprehensible" and "unprecedented," emphasizing that they had never before encountered such a scale of difficulties during away matches in European cups. Play-offs of the Champions League this season are rife with off-field tensions, as exemplified by the Italian side's cancellation of the traditional joint dinner for officials from both clubs. On the sporting front, Borussia is in a privileged position after a 2:0 home victory, for which Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier were responsible. Atalanta, led by Raffaele Palladino, is counting on the "magic of Bergamo" and good league form, including a recent triumph over Napoli. Experts note that any success for the Italian team would require overturning a two-goal deficit, which has rarely been achieved in their European history. In the hosts' lineup, we can expect the appearance of Polish national team player Nicola Zalewski, who is set to be part of an offensive trio. Relations between German fans and Italian law enforcement have been tense for years, often stemming from the restrictive approach of the Italian Ministry of the Interior towards foreign ultras groups.Meanwhile, in Turin, Juventus faces a nearly impossible task of recovering from a heavy 2:5 defeat against Galatasaray Istanbul. Luciano Spalletti's squad, struggling with a form crisis in Serie A, must win by a three-goal margin to force extra time. The Turkish team, buoyed by Victor Osimhen's effectiveness, is the clear favorite to advance. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, after a goalless draw with Olympiacos, has secured a spot in the next round, but the team's mood is subdued due to the risk of drawing Bayern Munich in Friday's draw. In the shadow of the giants, Norwegian Bodø/Glimt has achieved sensational results by eliminating Inter Milan. The Norwegian club, whose market value is a fraction of the giants' budgets, is becoming the "dark horse" of the competition. Polish attention is also focused on the Conference League, where Raków Częstochowa has already secured a place in the round of 16, while Lech Poznań and Jagiellonia Białystok will play their return matches on Thursday. The Polish champion from Białystok faces a particularly difficult task, needing to overturn a three-goal deficit against Fiorentina. „Das wird ein heißes Match. Wir müssen scharf sein. Wir wollen eine Runde weiterkommen. Das müssen wir schaffen.” (It will be a hot match. We have to be sharp. We want to advance to the next round. We have to achieve that.) — Sebastian Kehl

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