Image via Complex Original
Within the past three seasons Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund has skyrocketed back to prominence since their dominance of the ‘90s. BVB achieved Europa League qualification following the 2009-10 campaign, were crowned Bundesliga champions for the 2010-11 campaign, qualified for the 2011-12 Champions League, and successfully defended their title last season. During that 2011-12 season, Dortmund also completed their first double in club history by winning the league, and beating Bayern Munich in the final of the German Cup.
While Dortmund may have come in second to Bayern in this year's Bundesliga race, the two will square off on Saturday for a Champions League trophy. Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final will mark the first all-German final in the history of the competition, and the two sides will certainly feel the weight of their nation as they line up on a hollowed Wembley Stadium pitch. Before the two German giants square off on Saturday, check out how the black and yellow got there with the 10 Goals That Took Borussia Dortmund to the 2013 Champions League Final in GIFs.
Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)
10. Lewandowski's Late Winner Opens BVB's CL Campaign
Date: 9/18/2012
Matchup: Ajax @ Dortmund
The first group game of any Champions League campaign is filled with jitters, nerves, and the knowledge that the difference between starting with a win or a loss is monumental. In the case of Robert Lewandowski, who has so often been the man in the middle for Borussia Dortmund this season, it was certainly a case of better late than never. The BVB talisman waited until the 87th minute to give Dortmund the win with this nifty finish against Ajax, bagging all three points and starting what would be an epic European run. Nifty take, and fake, before firing home for the Polish hitman.
9. Marco Reus Takes Advantage of a Giveaway at the Back
Date: 10/3/2012
Matchup: Dortmund @ Manchester City
Manchester City had plenty of problems domestically in England this season, all of which culminated in the recent sacking of manager Roberto Mancini. However, as we've seen in past years with teams like Fiorentina during the 2009-10 campaign, the Champions League can so often be an opportunity to right the wrongs of the domestic season. Unfortunately, Europe offered no recluse for City and this giveaway at the back really was a metaphor for their inconsistencies. Marco Reus pounced on the errant pass by Jack Rodwell, and not even the fingertips of Joe Hart could keep this guided effort out of the back of the net. An important goal on a night where Dortmund was finding it near impossible to beat the England international.
8. Marcel Schmelzer Gets the Winner Against Madrid
Date: 10/24/2012
Matchup: Real Madrid @ Dortmund
Marcel Schmelzer is not known for his goal-scoring prowess, but in the Champions League players so often take that step to the next level. Such was the case here as Schmelzer found himself with time and space, and volleyed home at an acute angle to score the winner against Real Madrid. This winner also proved to be the difference in Dortmund finishing three points ahead of Los Blancos to top the group, and ensure a matchup against Shakhtar Donetsk in the first knockout round. Real and Dortmund would meet later in the competition with much more at stake.
7. Mario Gotze's Beautiful Assist Over the Top
Date: 11/21/2012
Matchup: Dortmund @ Ajax
Mario Gotze is already on his way to domestic rivals Bayern Munich next season, but that doesn't mean he wasn't one of the key architects in Dortmund's European run this campaign. This goal against Ajax showcased his vision and ability to set up a teammate, and when you have a guy like Lewandowski up front, why not try and put it on a plate for him? Gotze also grabbed two goals for himself in this 4-1 rout of the Dutch giants.
6. Marco Reus Smashes Home on the Volley
Date: 11/6/2012
Matchup: Dortmund @ Real Madrid
Marco Reus, who once found himself on the outside looking in at Dortmund, has had a prolific campaign in his own right. He's showcased his speed, dribbling ability, and perhaps most important, ability to put the ball in the back of the net. Such was the case here as he coolly collected on the edge of the Madrid area to fire home a wonder volley that no keeper, let alone Iker Casillas, would have been able to stop. Power and pace, simply watch and enjoy.
5. Sublime Backheel Pass From Marco Reus
Date: 4/9/2013
Matchup: Malaga @ Dortmund
After a goalless draw during the first leg encounter in Spain, it was Malaga who took the initiative by breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute through Joaquin. But if anyone thought Dortmund was going to go quietly into the night, they were dead wrong. It took just 15 minutes for Dortmund to equalize on the night, and they did it with a sublime piece of team play. This backheel flick from Marco Reus put Robert Lewandowski clear on goal, and the big Pole did the rest as he coolly fired past Willy Caballero. More to come from this epic clash.
4. Felipe Santana Gives Dortmund the Lead
Date: 3/5/2013
Matchup: Shakhtar Donetsk @ Dortmund
Another defender, another header, another goal against Shakhtar Donetsk. This time it was Brazilian Felipe Santana who rose highest to meet this cross in the 31st minute and fire home to the upper right corner. A bullet of a header, it gave Dortmund their first proper lead, and sent them on their way to a 3-0 win on the night and a 5-2 win in the aggregate score. Next up for the black and yellow would be another team who was making headlines with their surprising European run to the quarterfinals, Spanish side Malaga.
3. Mats Hummels Equalizes Late in Donetsk
Date: 2/13/2013
Matchup: Dortmund @ Shakhtar Donetsk
This goal from central defender Mats Hummels in the first leg of BVB's Round of 16 clash with Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk put Dortmund in prime position ahead of the return leg in Germany. Not only did his header provide a late equalizer in Ukraine, it also gave Dortmund an all-important second away goal, and thoroughly demoralized the Ukrainians ahead of their trip to Signal Iduna Park.
2. Felipe Santana Sends BVB to the Semis
Date: 4/9/2013
Matchup: Malaga @ Dortmund
Felipe Santana had three goals during the entire 2013 campaign, two of them came in the Champions League knockout stage. Now that's what we call rising to the occasion. This goal, which will arguably be the most important the Brazilian will ever score, was the 93rd minute winner that sent Malaga back to Spain empty handed, and propelled Dortmund to a semifinal date with another Spanish opponent in Real Madrid. It may not have been the prettiest goal of the tournament, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more important one. Cue the fireworks.
1. Lewandowski's Plays Hattrick Hero
Date: 4/24/2013
Matchup: Real Madrid @ Dortmund
If Robert Lewandowski has been BVB's main man all season, he certainly lived up to the pressure and the hype with his four-goal performance in the first leg of the semis against Real Madrid. 36 goals in all competitions this season, the center forward fired this close-range rocket to claim his hat trick on the night, and firmly give Dortmund one foot in the finals at Wembley. With many big-name suitors, the question now is where will Lewandowski call home next season?
