Dortmund Faces Unique Challenge in Zagreb's Maksimir Stadium
Tonight, Borussia Dortmund steps onto an unusual Champions League stage in Zagreb, facing Dinamo Zagreb in a stadium far removed from the modern football arenas players and fans are accustomed to. The Maksimir Stadium, an aging and earthquake-damaged structure, has garnered headlines for its questionable condition and the obstacles it presents to visiting teams.
The stadium's deteriorated state raises eyebrows. Following a significant earthquake in 2020, its East Stand was deemed unsafe and remains closed, reducing capacity from 38,000 to about 24,851. Visitors can’t miss the asymmetrical stands and open tribunes, where safety concerns loom large. From cracked concrete under the VIP section to ad hoc wooden planks covering gaps, the environment is far from UEFA’s elite standards. Yet, here Dortmund must aim to secure a victory crucial for their advancement to the Champions League knockout stage.
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The venue's quirkiness extends beyond its physical flaws. One of the four floodlight masts juts into the field area, surrounded by stored construction materials. Reporters covering the game will find themselves working in cramped, makeshift huts of corrugated metal, while stray cables and uneven flooring add to the precarious setup. Behind the scenes, clutter and remnants of prior attempts at refurbishment remain scattered.
Despite the stadium's poor condition, the pitch itself is reportedly in excellent shape. Dinamo Zagreb's "Bad Blue Boys," their passionate ultras, are expected to create an electrifying atmosphere. Dortmund's players, led by coach Nuri Şahin, remain unfazed. Şahin expressed confidence in his squad's ability to thrive, emphasizing the potential for the high-energy crowd to act as motivation rather than a hindrance.
Borussia Dortmund, dealing with the absence of top striker Serhou Guirassy, has an opportunity tonight to solidify their standing in the competition. As the team navigates Maksimir's challenges, they aim to not just endure the environment but to claim a defining victory in one of Europe's most unconventional football settings.
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