Borussia Dortmund hit by news of Mario Goetze move

On the eve of what the club are calling “the most spectacular home game in Borussia Dortmund’s history,” the match has been overshadowed by Mario Goetze’s decision to join Bayern Munich on 1 July.

Bayern, who are triggering Goetze’s reported release clause of €37 million (£31.5m), said yesterday they wanted to delay the announcement “out of consideration” for tonight’s game, but Dortmund were left struggling to minimise its impact.

Goetze’s Facebook page quickly became a target for abusive messages from disappointed fans, and Dortmund appealed to supporters to continue to support the 20-year-old midfielder “unconditionally”.

Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp concluded yesterday’s news conference with a direct appeal to fans. “Let’s have a great night tomorrow. Leave all the negative emotions at home, come to the stadium, and let’s beat Real Madrid,” Klopp said.

“Borussia Dortmund is above everything. We have a chance to show it. We have the chance to show that we can deal with this extraordinarily well. We have the chance to show we can go on, despite this blow. And I think we should take it.”

Earlier, he said Goetze was not leaving because of his teammates or the club but was joining Bayern to work with an “outstanding coach” in Pep Guardiola.

Excitement has been palpable in Dortmund for another clash between last season’s German and Spanish champions. Dortmund beat Madrid 2-1 at home in the group stage, and claimed a 2-2 draw away before topping Group D.

“We’ve a lot to gain, nothing to lose,” said Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke. Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, whose Real future and possible exit has been a near-constant feature of his stint, said he felt no pressure going into the game.

“I have no fear, no pressure. I do not know these feelings. It’s a game, like the one against Galatasaray or Manchester United [in the previous rounds]. We want to win it but those feelings, I try to keep them away.”